Which term describes turning of the hand so the palm faces downward?

• A. Midline
• B. Palmar
• C. Proximal
• D. Pronation

Answer: (D)

Pronation describes rotating the forearm so the palm faces downward. This motion occurs at the radioulnar joints as the radius crosses over the ulna, turning the palm toward the floor. The opposite movement is supination, where the palm faces upward or anteriorly in the anatomical position. The other terms don’t describe a motion of turning the hand: midline is an imaginary central line on the body, palmar relates to the palm surface, and proximal refers to a point closer to the trunk.