“Flexor” is a general anatomical term that refers to any muscle that causes flexion, meaning it decreases the angle between two body parts, typically at a joint.
A flexor is a muscle that bends a joint when it contracts.
The opposite of an extensor, which straightens a joint.
💪 Common Flexor Muscles (by region)
🖐️ Forearm (flexion of wrist/fingers)
Flexor carpi radialis – wrist flexion and radial deviation
Flexor carpi ulnaris – wrist flexion and ulnar deviation
Flexor digitorum superficialis – flexes PIP joints of fingers
Flexor digitorum profundus – flexes DIP joints of fingers
Flexor pollicis longus – flexes thumb
🦵 Thigh/Leg (hip/knee flexion)
Iliopsoas – main hip flexor
Rectus femoris – part of quadriceps, flexes hip
Hamstrings – flex the knee
💪 Arm (elbow flexion) Biceps brachii
Brachialis
Brachioradialis