Which term is used to define a circular movement of a limb at a joint?

The term that defines a circular movement of a limb at a joint is circumduction. This motion involves a combination of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, resulting in a circular or conical pathway. For example, when you move your arm in a circular motion, such as during a windmill action, it encompasses this type of movement. It allows for a wide range of motion and is commonly observed in joints like the shoulder and hip.

In contrast, flexion refers to the bending movement that decreases the angle between two parts, such as bending the elbow. Extension is the opposite, involving straightening that increases the angle. Rotation describes the movement where a limb pivots around its own axis but does not necessarily involve the circular trajectory of circumduction. Understanding these terms helps clarify how different joint movements can occur in the body.