What is the term for a bending motion that decreases the angle between adjoining bones?

The term for a bending motion that decreases the angle between adjoining bones is flexion. This movement occurs at various joints throughout the body, such as the elbow, knee, and hip. When flexion occurs, one bone moves closer to another, effectively reducing the angle between them.

For instance, when you bend your arm at the elbow, you're performing flexion, as the forearm moves closer to the upper arm. Flexion is crucial for many everyday activities, including sitting, reaching, and lifting.

The other movements listed do not describe the same action. Extension, for example, is the opposite of flexion; it increases the angle between bones. Rotation involves moving a bone around its own axis, and abduction refers to moving a limb away from the midline of the body. Understanding these terms helps clarify joint movements necessary for both basic functions and advanced physical activities.