Which of the following movements decreases the angle between the bones of a joint?

Flexion is a movement that decreases the angle between the bones of a joint. For example, when you bend your elbow or knee, the angle between the two segments (the forearm and upper arm, or the lower leg and the thigh) is reduced, which characterizes flexion. This movement typically brings the body parts closer together, which is fundamental in various physical activities, including exercise and functional movements.

In contrast, other movements such as abduction, dorsiflexion, and hyperextension do not reduce the angle between the bones at a joint in the same way. Abduction involves moving a limb away from the midline of the body. Dorsiflexion refers specifically to the flexion at the ankle that decreases the angle between the top of the foot and the shin, but this is a specialized term that doesn’t apply to all joints. Hyperextension is a movement that increases the angle beyond the standard range of motion, effectively going past the neutral position. This highlights why flexion is the correct answer, as it specifically addresses the decrease in joint angle across various types of joints.