Basic
Human
Motion
Flexion & Extension of the
Lower Extremity
Hip Flexion
Flexion=The bending of a joint.
A movement of the hip resultant of the action of the hip flexors (anterior hip & thigh muscles).
It moves the whole leg into an anterior orientation (toward the ventral surface) in the sagittal plane.
Hip Extension
Extension=The straightening of a joint.
A movement of the hip resultant of the action of the hip extensors (posterior hip & thigh muscles.
It moves the whole leg into a posterior orientation (toward the dorsal surface) in the sagittal plane.
Knee Flexion
Flexion = The bending of a joint.
A movement of the knee resultant of the action of the knee flexors (posterior thigh & calf muscles).
It bends the knee moving the lower leg into a posterior orientation (toward the dorsal surface) in the sagittal plane.
Knee Extension
Extension = The straightening of a joint.
A movement of the knee resultant of the action of the knee extensors (anterior thigh & calf muscles).
It straightens the knee moving the lower leg into an anterior orientation (toward the ventral surface) in the sagittal plane.
Dorsiflexion
A bending of the foot at the talocrural articulation.
A movement of the foot/ankle resultant of the action of the dorsiflexors (anterior calf muscles).
It moves the foot into a superior orientation (toward the head) in the sagittal plane.
Plantarflexion
A bending of the foot at the talocrural articulation.
A movement of the foot/ankle resultant of the action of the plantarflexors (posterior calf muscles).
It moves the foot into an inferior orientation (toward the floor) in the sagittal plane.