Flexion

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Anatomical planes in a human. Flexion usually occurs in a sagittal plane when the body is in the anatomical position

In anatomy, flexion 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.

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.

Exercises

Active range of motion exercises include movements such as flexion and extension. 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).

Muscles of flexion

Lower limb

• of femur/thigh at hip (L1-L2)
  • Iliopsoas
  • Tensor fasciae latae
  • Rectus femoris
  • (additional minor contributions from other hip flexors)

• of leg at knee (L5-S2)
  • Posterior compartment of thigh/Hamstrings
    • Biceps femoris
    • Semitendinosus
    • Semimembranosus
  • Gracilis
  • Sartorius
  • Tensor fasciae latae
  • Gastrocnemius
  • Popliteus
  • Plantaris (negligible)

• of toes
  • Posterior compartment of leg
    • Flexor hallucis longus
    • Flexor digitorum longussex
  • Flexor digitorum brevis
  • Quadratus plantae
  • Flexor hallucis brevis
  • Flexor digiti minimi brevis

• of proximal phalanges at metatarsophalangeal joint
  • Lumbrical muscle (foot)
  • Plantar interossei
  • Dorsal interossei

Other

• torso/lumbar vertebrae
  • Rectus abdominis muscle

• neck at atlanto-occipital joint
  • Longus capitis muscle

See also

• Flexion reflex
• Hip flexors
• Range of motion

Additional images

Arm flex pronate.jpg

An example of an arm flexed in the pronated position; with the biceps partially contracted.

Arm flex supinate.jpg

An example of an arm flexed in a supinated position with the biceps fully contracted.

External links

• Dictionary at eMedicine Flexion