Forearm pronation and supination occur in which plane and about which axis?

Forearm pronation and supination occur in which plane and about which axis?

• A. Sagittal plane, horizontal axis
• B. Frontal plane, sagittal axis
• C. Transverse plane, vertical axis
• D. Coronal plane, anteroposterior axis

Answer: (C)

Pronation and supination are rotations of the forearm around its long axis. Because this movement happens as the radius turns around the ulna along the forearm’s length, it occurs in the transverse (axial) plane, about the long axis of the forearm, which is vertical in the anatomical position. That combination—transverse plane with a vertical axis—best describes the motion.

Pronation and supination are rotations of the forearm around its long axis. Because this movement happens as the radius turns around the ulna along the forearm’s length, it occurs in the transverse (axial) plane, about the long axis of the forearm, which is vertical in the anatomical position. That combination—transverse plane with a vertical axis—best describes the motion.