ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which term describes the movement of the body that decreases the angle between two bones?

1. Extension

2. Flexion

3. Dorsiflexion

4. Adduction

The correct answer is: Flexion

The term that describes the movement of the body which decreases the angle between two bones is termed flexion. In anatomical terms, flexion typically involves bending a joint, resulting in a smaller angle at that joint. For instance, when you bend your elbow or knee, you are performing flexion as the two bones (the humerus and radius/ulna in the elbow, or the femur and tibia/fibula in the knee) come closer together. This understanding of flexion is essential in various fitness and rehabilitation contexts, where exercises often focus on joint movement patterns that include flexion as a primary action. Understanding this fundamental movement is critical for personal trainers, as many exercises target muscle groups through flexion movements, enhancing strength and flexibility in those areas.