What is the action called when the palm or foot is turned upward?

The action of turning the palm or foot upward is known as supination. In anatomical terms, supination refers specifically to the rotation of the forearm or foot such that the palm faces upward or forward, and the sole of the foot turns inward or upwards.

In the context of the forearm, this movement occurs when the radius and ulna bones are parallel to each other, allowing the palm to face anteriorly or upwards. For the foot, supination involves the combination of inversion (turning the sole inward) and adduction (bringing the foot closer to the midline) while lifting the arch. This is a critical action in various activities like walking, running, and even certain strength training exercises, as it allows for proper adjustment to various surfaces and positions.