Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Supination is a rotational movement of the forearm that positions the palm of the hand face up or forward. It occurs at the radioulnar joint and is opposite to pronation, which turns the palm down or backward.
Pronation is the rotational movement of the forearm that turns the palm downward or backward, counteracting supination.
Radioulnar joint: The radioulnar joint is a pivot type of joint between the radius and ulna bones of the forearm, allowing movements such as pronation and supination.
Rotation refers to a circular movement around an axis, which can be internal (towards the center of the body) or external (away from the center); in limbs, this involves movements like supination and pronation