Protraction

Definition

Protraction is the movement of a body part in the anterior direction, forward from the normal anatomical position. In the context of joints, it often refers to movements such as thrusting the jaw or shoulders forward.

Related terms

Retraction:

The movement of a body part in the posterior direction, moving backward toward the original anatomical position.

Elevation:

The movement that raises a body part vertically in the superior direction, like shrugging your shoulders up towards your ears.

Depression:

The downward movement of a body part away from the head, such as lowering your shoulders down from a shrugged position