A flexor is a muscle that flexes a joint. In anatomy, flexion (from the Latin verb flectere, to bend)[1] is a joint movement that decreases the angle between the bones that converge at the joint. For example, one's elbow joint flexes when one brings their hand closer to the shoulder. Flexion is typically instigated by muscle contraction of a flexor.
Flexors edit
Upper limb edit
- of the humerus bone (the bone in the upper arm) at the shoulder
- of the forearm at the elbow
- of carpus (the carpal bones) at the wrist
- of the hand
Lower limb edit
Hip edit
The hip flexors are (in descending order of importance to the action of flexing the hip joint):[2]
- Collectively known as the iliopsoas or inner hip muscles:
- Anterior compartment of thigh
- Rectus femoris (part of the quadriceps muscle group)
- Sartorius
- One of the gluteal muscles:
- Medial compartment of thigh
Without the iliopsoas muscles, flexion in sitting position is not possible across the horizontal plane.[2]
Thigh edit
Other edit
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Anderson, Kenneth N.; et al., eds. (1994). Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary (4th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book. p. 624. ISBN 9780801672255. OCLC 312496360.
- ^ a b Platzer (2004), p 246
- ^ Knee Articulations
- ^ Foot Articulations