List of flexors of the human body

In anatomy, flexion (from the Latin verb flectere, to bend)^[1] is a joint movement that decreases the angle between the bones that converge at the joint. For example, your elbow joint flexes when you bring your hand closer to the shoulder. Flexion is typically instigated by muscle contraction. A muscle that flexes a joint is called a flexor.

Flexors

Upper limb

of forearm at elbow

of humerus at shoulder

of carpus at wrist

Lower limb

Hip

The iliacus and nearby muscles

The hip flexors are (in descending order of importance to the action of flexing the hip joint):^[2]

Collectively known as the iliopsoas or inner hip muscles:
- Psoas major
- Iliacus muscle

Anterior compartment of thigh
- Rectus femoris (part of the quadriceps muscle group)
- Sartorius

One of the gluteal muscles:
- Tensor fasciae latae

Medial compartment of thigh

Without the iliopsoas muscles, flexion in sitting position is not possible across the horizontal plane.^[2]

Leg

of leg at knee (L5-S2)^[3]
- Posterior compartment of thigh/Hamstrings
- Gracilis
- Sartorius
- Tensor fasciae latae
- Gastrocnemius
- Popliteus
- Plantaris (negligible)

of toes

of proximal phalanges at metatarsophalangeal joint^[4]

Other

torso/lumbar vertebrae
- Rectus abdominis muscle

neck at atlanto-occipital joint
- Longus capitis muscle

References

↑ Anderson, Kenneth N.; et al., eds. (1994). Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary (4th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book. p. 624. ISBN 9780801672255. OCLC 312496360.
1 2 Platzer (2004), p 246
↑ Knee Articulations
↑ Foot Articulations

Joints

Types	Fibrous Gomphosis Suture Syndesmosis Interosseous membrane Cartilaginous Synchondrosis Symphysis synovial: Plane joint 1° Hinge joint Pivot joint 2° Condyloid joint Saddle joint 3° Ball and socket joint synostosis by range of motion: Synarthrosis Amphiarthrosis Diarthrosis

Terminology	Kinesiology Anatomical terms of motion Agonist/Antagonist

Motions	general: Flexion/Extension Adduction/Abduction Internal rotation/External rotation Elevation/Depression specialized/upper limbs: Protraction/Retraction Supination/Pronation specialized/lower limbs: Plantarflexion/Dorsiflexion Eversion/Inversion

Components	capsular: Joint capsule Synovial membrane Fibrous membrane Synovial fluid Synovial bursa Articular disk/Meniscus extracapsular: Ligament Enthesis

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