Basic
Human
Motion
Flexion & Extension of the
Upper Extremity
Shoulder Flexion
Flexion is the bending of a joint.
A movement of the shoulder resultant of the action of the shoulder flexors (anterior shoulder and upper arm muscles).
It moves the whole arm into an anterior orientation (toward the ventral surface) in the sagittal plane.
Shoulder Extension
Extension is the straightening of a joint.
A movement of the shoulder resultant of the action of the shoulder extensors (posterior shoulder and upper arm muscles).
It moves the whole arm into a posterior orientation (toward the dorsal surface) in the sagittal plane.
Shoulder Flexion & Extension
(Transverse View)
Elbow Flexion
Flexion is the bending of a joint.
A movement of the elbow resultant of the action of the elbow flexors (anterior upper arm and forearm muscles).
It bends the elbow moving the forearm and hand into an anterior orientation (toward the ventral surface) in the sagittal plane.
Elbow Extension
Extension is the straightening of a joint.
A movement of the elbow resultant of the action of the elbow extensors (posterior upper arm & forearm muscles).
It straightens the elbow moving the forearm into a posterior orientation (toward the dorsal surface) in the sagittal plane.
Wrist Flexion
A bending of the wrist joint.
A movement of the hand resultant of the action of the wrist flexors (extrinsic forearm muscles)on the volar (palmer) aspect of the forearm.
It bends the hand toward the volar (palmer) surface of the hand in the sagittal plane.
Wrist Neutral Position
Wrist Extension
A bending of the wrist joint.
A movement of the hand resultant of the action of the wrist extensors (extrinsic forearm muscles)on the dorsal aspect of the forearm.
It bends the hand toward the dorsal surface of the hand in the sagittal plane.