flexion

Examples of flexion in the following topics:

• Dermatomes

• Movement at Synovial Joints

  • Flexion, or bending, occurs when the angle between the bones decreases.
  • Moving the forearm upward at the elbow or moving the wrist to move the hand toward the forearm are examples of flexion.
  • In extension, the opposite of flexion, the angle between the bones of a joint increases.
  • Straightening a limb after flexion is an example of extension.
  • (a)–(b) Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion.

• Synovial Joint Movements

  • Flexion is bending the limbs (reduction of angle) at a joint.

• Stability and Range of Motion at Synovial Joints

  • During the last portion of the stride, as the foot undergoes plantar flexion (pointing the toes downward), the stored elastic energy is released.
  • Certain joints exhibit special movements including elevation, depression, protraction, retraction, inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, supination, pronation, and opposition.

• Fourth Week of Development

  • The fourth week of gestation is characterized by the flexion of the superior portion of the neural tube to create the mesencephalon.

• Types of Synovial Joints

  • These joints act as a hinge, allowing flexion and extension in just one plane.
  • Some classifications make a distinction between condyloid and ellipsoid joints, but both allow flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction movements.

• Functional Classification of Joints

• Muscles of the Shoulder

  • Actions – The anterior region assists the pectoralis major during transverse flexion of the shoulder and acts weakly in strict transverse flexion.
  • The lateral region assists in shoulder flexion when the shoulder is rotating, although it also assists the transverse abduction of the shoulder.

• Lever Systems

  • Flexion decreases the angle and extension increases the angle.
  • For example, extension of the arm opens the angle of the elbow joint, while flexion allows for the bending of the arm.
  • Flexion can also move inwards towards the body or forward, such as with hips or shoulders.

• Muscles of the Humerus that Act on the Forearm

  • Humerus that act on the forearm are primarily involved in flexion and extension.