Which term describes the act of bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones?

Which term describes the act of bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones?

• A. Hyperextension
• B. Extension
• C. Adduction
• D. Flexion

Answer: (D)

Flexion is the act of bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones. This motion brings the bone segments closer together, such as when you bend the elbow or knee. By contrast, extension straightens the joint and increases the angle, while hyperextension goes beyond the straight position, and adduction moves a limb toward the body's midline. A practical example is bending the elbow to bring the hand toward the shoulder, illustrating how the angle between the forearm and upper arm decreases.

Flexion is the act of bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones. This motion brings the bone segments closer together, such as when you bend the elbow or knee. By contrast, extension straightens the joint and increases the angle, while hyperextension goes beyond the straight position, and adduction moves a limb toward the body's midline. A practical example is bending the elbow to bring the hand toward the shoulder, illustrating how the angle between the forearm and upper arm decreases.