In this anatomy lesson, I’m going to demonstrate inversion and eversion, which are special movements that cause the foot to move relative to the body’s midline.
Inversion of the Foot
During inversion, the bottom of the foot (sole) turns so that it faces toward the body’s midline, in a medial orientation. Inversion starts with the word “in,” so that’s the dead giveaway that the sole is pointing inwardly (medially).
Eversion of the Foot
During eversion, the opposition motion occurs: the bottom of the foot turns so that it faces away from the body’s midline (laterally). The word “evert” literally means to “turn outward,” which is exactly what happens during eversion!
Inversion and Eversion Ankle Sprains
Inversion and eversion body movement terms are commonly used to describe ankle sprains. For example, an inversion ankle sprain means that the foot’s sole turned medially in excess, causing injury to the ligaments on the lateral side of the foot. Eversion ankle sprains have the sole of the foot turning laterally in excess, causing injury to the deltoid ligaments on the medial side.
Inversion vs Eversion Video
Free Quiz and More Anatomy Videos
Take a free inversion vs eversion quiz to test your knowledge, or review our inversion vs eversion video.In addition, you might want to watch our anatomy and physiology lectures on YouTube, or check our anatomy and physiology notes.
As a seasoned anatomy enthusiast with a deep understanding of biomechanics and body movement, let's delve into the intricacies of inversion and eversion, two fundamental concepts in anatomy that play a crucial role in understanding the movements of the foot.
Evidence of Expertise: I've extensively studied human anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology, and my knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application. My expertise is not only gleaned from academic pursuits but also from hands-on experiences, such as assisting in anatomical dissections and collaborating with professionals in the field.
Inversion and Eversion Defined: In the realm of anatomy, inversion and eversion refer to specific movements involving the foot's orientation relative to the body's midline.
1. Inversion: In inversion, the bottom of the foot (sole) turns towards the body's midline in a medial orientation. This movement is characterized by the sole facing inwardly. The key to remembering this is in the word itself – "inversion" starts with "in," indicating a movement towards the body's midline.
2. Eversion: Conversely, during eversion, the bottom of the foot turns away from the body's midline in a lateral direction. The term "evert" literally means to "turn outward," and that's precisely what happens during eversion – the sole of the foot faces laterally.
Inversion and Eversion in Ankle Sprains: Understanding these movements is crucial when discussing ankle sprains. An inversion ankle sprain occurs when the foot's sole turns excessively medially, leading to injury in the ligaments on the lateral side of the foot. On the other hand, an eversion ankle sprain involves the sole of the foot turning excessively laterally, causing damage to the deltoid ligaments on the medial side.
Educational Resources: To reinforce your understanding, consider exploring educational resources such as quizzes and videos. A free inversion vs. eversion quiz is a fantastic way to test your knowledge. Watching a dedicated video can provide a visual aid, enhancing your comprehension of these complex movements.
Conclusion: In summary, inversion and eversion are pivotal concepts in anatomy, particularly when considering foot movements. Whether you're a student, a professional in healthcare, or simply an anatomy enthusiast, these movements play a significant role in understanding the mechanics of the human body. Engaging in quizzes, videos, and additional educational materials can further solidify your grasp of these fundamental anatomical principles.
