Which option correctly describes external rotation?

• A. Rotation toward the middle of the body
• B. Rotation away from the middle of the body
• C. Rotation around the long axis of the limb
• D. Rotation with flexion at the joint

Answer: (B)

External rotation is turning a limb away from the midline of the body, around the limb’s long axis at the joint. That movement describes moving away from the center of the body, which is exactly what the correct option states. Think of rotating the arm or leg so the front of the limb moves outward, away from the midline—this is external (lateral) rotation. Internal rotation would be toward the midline, which is the opposite. Rotation around the long axis without direction can describe the axis of movement but doesn’t specify the outward direction, so it isn’t a complete description of external rotation. Flexion changes the angle at the joint and isn’t about rotating around the axis.