Flexion & Extension | basichumanmotion

Flexion & Extension of the Head and Spine

Flexion & Extension of the Head

Flexion is the bending of a joint (or joint segments when referring to the head).

From a neutral position, bending the head toward the anterior (frontal) surface.

Extension is the straightening of a joint (or joint segments when referring to the head).

From a neutral position bending the head toward the posterior (dorsal) surface.

Lateral Head Flexion

Flexion is the bending of a joint (joint segments when referring to the spine).

Bending of the head to the left and/or right side.

Resultant of the contraction of the head, neck and shoulder muscles.

Lateral Spinal Flexion

Flexion is the bending of a joint (joint segments when referring to the spine).

Bending of the spine and torso to the left or right side.

Resultant of the contraction of the spinal, paraspinal and torso muscles.

Spinal Flexion

Flexion is the bending of a joint (joint segments when referring to the spine).

Flexing (bending) the back.

Bending the torso forward (toward the ventral surface) .

Resultant of the contraction of the anterior spinal, and abdominal muscles.

Spinal Extension

Extension is the straightening of a joint (joint segments when referring to the spine).

Extending (straightening) the back.

Bending the torso backward (toward the dorsal surface) .

Resultant of the contraction of the posterior spinal, paraspinal and back muscles.