Which term describes bending a joint?

• A. Flexion
• B. Extension
• C. Rotation
• D. Supination

Answer: (A)

Flexion is bending a joint, which reduces the angle between the bones involved. For example, bending the elbow or knee brings the hand toward the body or the foot toward the thigh. In contrast, extension straightens the joint, increasing that angle. Rotation refers to turning a bone around its long axis, such as turning the head or rotating the forearm. Supination is a specific rotation of the forearm that moves the palm to face upward (the opposite is pronation). Understanding flexion helps describe how far a joint can bend, which is useful for movement assessment and planning massage or rehabilitation.