Extensor muscle

An extensor muscle is any muscle that opens a joint increasing the angle between components of a limb, such as straightening the knee or elbow and bending the wrist or spine. With the exception of the knee joint the movement is directed backward. This action is known as extension.

Flexor muscles have the opposite effect, closing a joint and decreasing the angle between limb components.

In humans, some muscles include 'extensor' in their name, some include;

• Extensor carpi radialis brevis
• Extensor hallucis longus muscle
• Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle
• Extensor carpi radialis longus muscle

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For further reference see genetic origin.