Which movement describes turning the palm downward?

• A. Rotation
• B. Pronation
• C. Supination
• D. Extension

Answer: (B)

Pronation is turning the palm downward. It’s a rotational movement of the forearm at the radioulnar joints, with the radius rotating around the ulna so the palm faces down toward the floor. During pronation the radius crosses over the ulna, and it’s mainly driven by the pronator teres and pronator quadratus muscles. By contrast, supination turns the palm upward, extension is about increasing a joint’s angle, and rotation is a general term that doesn’t specify the direction of the palm.