Question

what type of muscle bends a limb at its joint or decreases the joint angle?
○ a. extensor
○ b. flexor
○ c. levator
○ d. depressor

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option a (extensor): Extensors increase joint angles (e.g., straightening a limb), so it's incorrect.
• Option b (flexor): Flexor muscles bend a limb at a joint, reducing the joint angle (e.g., bending the elbow), which matches the description.
• Option c (levator): Levators lift body parts (e.g., levator palpebrae lifts the eyelid), not related to bending limbs at joints.
• Option d (depressor): Depressors lower body parts (e.g., depressor anguli oris lowers the corner of the mouth), not for bending limbs at joints.

Answer:

b. flexor