What is the action of bending a body part called?

The action of bending a body part is known as flexion. This process involves decreasing the angle between two body parts, such as when you bend your elbow or knee. In these movements, the segment of the limb moves closer to the trunk of the body or to another segment, effectively reducing the distance between them. Flexion typically occurs in joints and is a fundamental movement pattern in many physical activities, such as walking, running, and lifting objects. Understanding this action is crucial in sports medicine, as it relates to how muscles and joints interact during various types of movement and injury rehabilitation.