Flexion
In anatomy, flexion (from the Latin word flectere, to bend[1]) is a position that is made possible by the joint angle decreasing. The skeletal (bones, cartilage, and ligaments) and muscular (muscles and tendons) systems work together to move the joint into a "flexed" position. For example the elbow is flexed when the hand is brought closer to the shoulder. The trunk may be flexed toward the legs or the neck to the chest.
The opposite term is extension, or straightening. Flexion decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at a joint, and extension increases it. Except in the shoulder where flexion increases the joint's angle.
Note that specific flexion activities may occur only along the sagittal plane, i.e. from the forward to backward direction, and not side-to-side direction, which is further discussed in abduction.
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[edit] Exercises
These exercises are used after an injury or surgery. They are done by a physical therapist or nurse initially, and may be continued by the patient.
In the healing process, active range of motion exercises should avoid forcing the appendage into the extension or flexion position. The stress induced may re-injure the affected appendage (limb).
[edit] Muscles of flexion
[edit] Upper limb
[edit] Lower limb
- of femur/thigh at hip (L1-L2)[2]
- Iliopsoas
- Tensor fasciae latae
- Rectus femoris
- (additional minor contributions from other hip flexors)
- of toes
[edit] Other
[edit] See also
[edit] Additional images
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An example of an arm flexed in the pronated position; with the biceps partially contracted.
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An example of an arm flexed in a supinated position with the biceps fully contracted.
[edit] References
- ^ Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health with the and also thesores Dictionary, Fourth Edition, Mosby-Year Book 1994, p. 624
- ^ Hip Articulations
- ^ Knee Articulations
- ^ Foot Articulations
[edit] External links
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