Which movement decreases the angle at a joint?

Which movement decreases the angle at a joint?

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

Answer: (D)

Decreasing the angle between the two bones at a joint is called flexion. When you bend a joint, like bending the elbow, the forearm moves closer to the upper arm, and the angle between those two bones becomes smaller. That’s why flexion is the movement that reduces the angle. In contrast, extension straightens the joint, increasing the angle back toward a full straight line. Rotation involves turning a bone around its own axis without necessarily changing the angle between the bones. Circumduction is a circular, cone-like motion that combines flexion, extension, and other movements, so it isn’t just about reducing the angle.

Decreasing the angle between the two bones at a joint is called flexion. When you bend a joint, like bending the elbow, the forearm moves closer to the upper arm, and the angle between those two bones becomes smaller. That’s why flexion is the movement that reduces the angle.

In contrast, extension straightens the joint, increasing the angle back toward a full straight line. Rotation involves turning a bone around its own axis without necessarily changing the angle between the bones. Circumduction is a circular, cone-like motion that combines flexion, extension, and other movements, so it isn’t just about reducing the angle.