Most aircraft have control surfaces that work in a similar manner from a little Piper up through a 747. Forward and back movement of the yoke or stick typically results in actuation of the elevator.
Pulling back on the control column causes the aft end of elevator to move upwards relative to the airframe. This action causes the aircraft to pitch nose up.
Pushing forward on the control column causes the aft end of the elevator to move down relative to the airframe. This action causes the aircraft to pitch nose down.
Take a look at this GIF for a nice animation or this video.
