Which of the following movements is an example of circumduction?

• A. Flexing the knee
• B. Rotating the forearm
• C. Bending the elbow
• D. Swinging the arm in a circular motion

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of circumduction: Circumduction is a circular movement of a limb that involves sequential flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. It results in the limb tracing a conical shape.
2. Identify the joints capable of circumduction: Circumduction typically occurs at ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, which allow for a wide range of motion.
3. Analyze each movement option: Flexing the knee involves bending the knee joint, rotating the forearm involves turning the forearm around its axis, and bending the elbow involves flexing the elbow joint.
4. Recognize the movement that fits circumduction: Swinging the arm in a circular motion involves the shoulder joint, which is a ball-and-socket joint, allowing for circumduction.
5. Conclude that swinging the arm in a circular motion is an example of circumduction, as it involves the sequential movements that define circumduction.