What occurs when the forearm or palm is rotated outwards?

The correct response refers to the movement known as supination, which occurs when the forearm or palm is rotated outward, positioning the palm to face upward or forward. This action involves the radius and ulna, the two long bones in the forearm, where the radius turns laterally to lie parallel to the ulna.

Supination is commonly associated with actions like holding a bowl of soup or turning a key in a lock, both of which require the palm to face upward. Understanding this concept is essential for various physical activities and helps in identifying proper movement patterns in both rehabilitation and strength training contexts.

The other options describe different movements. Pronation refers to the opposite movement, where the palm faces downward or inward. Dorsiflexion pertains specifically to the ankle joint, involving the lifting of the foot upwards towards the shin. Rotation is a broader term that describes turning around an axis and does not specifically define the outward movement of the forearm or palm. Therefore, recognizing supination as the accurate term for outward rotation helps clarify these distinct movements.