Knee flexion is the action of bending your knee, decreasing the angle between your thigh and your lower leg.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Definition: Knee flexion occurs when the posterior angle between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) decreases. This movement brings the heel closer to the buttock.
-
Muscles Involved:
- The primary muscles responsible for knee flexion are the hamstring muscles, located on the back of your thigh. These include:
- Biceps femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
- Other muscles that assist in knee flexion include:
- Gastrocnemius (a calf muscle)
- Popliteus
- Sartorius
- Gracilis
- The primary muscles responsible for knee flexion are the hamstring muscles, located on the back of your thigh. These include:
-
Antagonist Muscles: The quadriceps muscles (located on the front of the thigh) act as antagonists, resisting or controlling the flexion movement. During flexion, the quadriceps relax to allow the hamstrings to contract.
-
Range of Motion: A healthy knee typically has a flexion range of motion between 120 to 140 degrees. This range can vary slightly based on individual factors such as age, flexibility, and muscle mass.
-
Examples: Common activities involving knee flexion include:
- Walking
- Running
- Squatting
- Sitting down
- Kneeling
-
Importance: Knee flexion is essential for numerous daily activities and athletic movements. Limitations in knee flexion can significantly impact mobility and function.
In essence, knee flexion is simply the process of bending your knee, allowing you to perform various movements like walking, running, and sitting.
