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Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Muscles, Joints and Movement

Extension

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/ɪkˈstenʃən/nounCommon term

In anatomy & physiology, extension means: A straightening movement that increases the angle between two body parts, such as straightening the elbow or the knee. It is the opposite of flexion.

In Turkish: ekstansiyon, germe, düzleştirme

How it is used

The verb is extend, and the muscles involved are extensors. Movement beyond the normal straight position is called hyperextension. Physiotherapists measure extension in degrees during a joint examination.

Example sentences

  1. The triceps produces extension of the elbow.

  2. She has full extension of the knee, but bending it still hurts.

Common collocations

  • knee extension
  • full extension
  • hyperextension
  • extensor muscles
  • flexionA bending movement that decreases the angle between two body parts, such as bending the elbow or the knee.
  • jointA place where two or more bones meet. Some joints, like the knee, move freely; others, like those between the bones of the skull, hardly move at all.
  • muscleA tissue or organ made of cells that can contract (shorten) to produce movement or force. The three types are skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.
  • adductionMovement of a limb or body part toward the midline of the body, such as bringing a raised arm back down to the side.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Muscles, Joints and Movement

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.