Which movement refers specifically to spinal movement to the left or right?

Lateral flexion refers specifically to the movement of the spine to the left or right. This term describes the action of bending the body sideways, which involves the lateral movement of the vertebral column. When performing lateral flexion, the spine rotates around its vertical axis, allowing the torso to lean toward one side or the other.

This type of movement is important in various activities, such as reaching or bending sideways, and is critical for maintaining flexibility and balance. Flexion generally refers to bending forward or decreasing the angle between body parts, while protraction and retraction pertain to movements that move the body part forward or backward, respectively, which are not specific to side bending of the spine.