What does supination mean?

Supination refers to the movement of the forearm and wrist in which the palm faces upward or is turned outward. This anatomical term comes from the position of the body when lying on one's back (supine position), where the palms would naturally be facing up. In practical terms, when someone is asked to supinate their wrist, they are being instructed to rotate it so that the palm is presented upward, making it crucial for various activities such as carrying objects or using certain tools.

This movement contrasts with pronation, where the palm would be turned downward. Understanding these terms is essential, especially in fields like anatomy, sports medicine, and healthcare where precise movements and positions are frequently described and analyzed.