What is flexion in terms of joint movement?

Flexion refers to the movement that decreases the angle between two body parts at a joint. This action typically brings the bones closer together. For example, when you bend your elbow, it moves from a straight position to a more acute angle, which is a clear demonstration of flexion at the elbow joint. Similarly, flexing the knee involves reducing the angle between the thigh and the lower leg. This physiological action is essential in many everyday activities, such as walking, running, or lifting objects, where bending movements are frequently employed.

The other options pertain to different types of movements or functions. Increasing the angle of a joint describes extension, while rotating a limb outward pertains to external rotation, and stabilizing a joint during movement relates more to the roles of muscles and tendons in maintaining joint integrity rather than the action of flexion itself. Understanding these different movements and their definitions can help clarify the concept of flexion and its importance in physical education.