What does knee flexion primarily involve?

Knee flexion primarily involves bending the knee towards the body. This movement occurs when the angle between the thigh and the lower leg decreases, allowing the heel to move closer to the buttocks. Knee flexion is essential for various activities such as walking, running, and sitting, as it allows for proper limb mobility and function.

In a biomechanical context, this action is facilitated by the contraction of the hamstring muscles located at the back of the thigh and is counterbalanced by the quadriceps, which act during knee extension. Understanding this fundamental motion is crucial for practitioners in orthotics and prosthetics, as it influences the design of devices aimed at supporting or enhancing knee function in patients with various musculoskeletal conditions.