Extend

Extend is a term often used in the field of medicine and physiotherapy to describe the action of increasing the angle between two parts of the body. This action is the opposite of flexion, which is the action of decreasing the angle between two parts of the body.

Anatomy and Physiology

In the context of anatomy and physiology, extension is a movement that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at a joint. It occurs when muscles contract and bones move the joint into a straightened position, like straightening the elbow.

For example, when you extend your arm, you are moving it from a bent position to a straight position, increasing the angle of the joint. Similarly, when you extend your spine, you are moving it from a bent position to a straight position.

Extension in Different Parts of the Body

Arm Extension

Arm extension involves the triceps brachii, a large muscle on the back of the upper arm. This muscle contracts to straighten the arm at the elbow joint.

Leg Extension

Leg extension involves the quadriceps femoris, a large muscle group at the front of the thigh. This muscle group contracts to straighten the leg at the knee joint.

Spinal Extension

Spinal extension involves the erector spinae, a group of muscles that run vertically along each side of the vertebral column. These muscles contract to straighten and lift the spine.

Extension Exercises

Extension exercises are often recommended in physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles that perform the extension movement and to increase range of motion. These exercises can be beneficial for people with certain conditions, such as arthritis or back pain.

See Also

• Flexion
• Hyperextension
• Joint
• Muscle
• Physical therapy

Extend Resources
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