extension

Pronunciation: eks-ten′shŭn

Definition:

1. The act of bringing the distal portion of a joint in continuity (although only parallel) with the long axis of the proximal portion.
2. A pulling or dragging force exerted on a limb in a distal direction.
3. The movement produced by contraction of one or more extensor muscles; it generally results in the straightening of a limb; axial traction that generally lengthens a limb or straightens the trunk; the opposite or antagonistic movement of flexion.
4. Obsolete term for traction.

[L. extensus, past part. of extendere, to stretch out, extend]

Search Stedman's Medical Dictionary