What term refers to the rotational movement that turns the palms of the hands down or posteriorly?

The term that describes the rotational movement turning the palms of the hands down or posteriorly is known as pronation. In this context, when the palms face down or are rotated so that the back of the hands or the wrist faces up, it is a motion characterized specifically by pronation. This movement is commonly observed in activities such as push-ups or during any action where the hands need to face the ground.

To help clarify the concept further, supination is the opposite movement, where the palms face up or anteriorly. Circumduction involves moving a limb in a circular motion, which is not directly related to just pronating the hands. Rotation generally refers to any turning movement around an axis and is a broader term that does not specifically identify the direction of the palms. Therefore, understanding the definition of pronation and its application in various movements is crucial for accurately differentiating these terms.