elleboogflexie

Elleboogflexie refers to the bending of the elbow joint, decreasing the angle between the upper arm (humerus) and the forearm (ulna and radius). In anatomical terms, it is the movement that transitions the elbow from a straight or extended position toward a flexed position, with the normal range typically around 0 degrees in full extension to about 135–140 degrees of flexion.

The elbow is a hinge joint formed mainly by the humeroulnar articulation, with the radioulnar joint allowing forearm rotation. The primary elbow flexors are the biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis. The brachialis provides the largest pure flexion force across the joint, while the biceps brachii also enables forearm supination, and the brachioradialis is most active when the forearm is in a mid-pronation to neutral position. Nerve supply includes the musculocutaneous nerve for the biceps and brachialis, and the radial nerve for the brachioradialis. The strength and ease of flexion can vary with forearm position: the biceps is strongest with the forearm supinated, the brachialis remains active in any forearm position, and the brachioradialis favors a neutral grip.

Functionally, elbow flexion is essential for bringing the hand toward the face, chest, or objects during daily tasks such as lifting, feeding, and grooming. Clinically, elbow flexion is assessed in rehabilitation and sports medicine, often using goniometry to measure active and passive ranges of motion. Limitations can result from injuries, arthritis, or nerve damage, and rehabilitation aims to restore range, strength, and coordinated movement.