What is the term for a decrease in the angle of a joint?

The term for a decrease in the angle of a joint is known as flexion. This movement occurs when a joint bends, bringing two body parts closer together and reducing the angle between them. For example, when you bend your elbow or knee, you are performing flexion. This action is fundamental in various body movements, as it allows for a wide range of motion and is essential for everyday activities.

In the context of joint movements, extension, which is the opposite of flexion, involves increasing the angle at the joint and straightening the limb. Meanwhile, abduction refers to moving a limb away from the midline of the body, whereas adduction involves moving it closer to the midline. These terms are crucial for understanding human movement and anatomy, especially in fields related to health and physical sciences.