Flexion
Flexio
Definition
Flexion is defined as a movement which occurs across a joint and leads to a decrease in the angle between two body parts or surfaces. For instance, the flexion at the knee joint brings the posterior surface of the leg closer to the hamstring region in the thigh, thus decreasing the angle between the femur (above) and tibia and fibula (below).
The opposite of flexion is extension which increases the angle between two body parts or surfaces. Both flexion and extension usually happen along a sagittal plane.
References
Text by Antoine Micheau, MD and reviewed by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 6: Lower Limb’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 513-516.
Jones, O. (2020). Anatomical terms of movement in ‘TeachMeAnatomy’. Available at URL: https://teachmeanatomy.info/the-basics/anatomical-terminology/terms-of-movement/ [accessed on Feb 11th, 2023]
