What term refers to straightening a body part?

The term that refers to straightening a body part is "extension." In the context of anatomy and movement, extension involves increasing the angle between two body parts, which effectively straightens them. For instance, when you straighten your arm after it has been bent at the elbow, you are performing an extension of the arm.

Understanding this concept is critical for those in the healthcare field, especially for CNAs, as they often need to assist patients with their mobility and exercises. Recognizing the difference between extension and other movements is essential for providing proper support and ensuring patient safety during activities of daily living.

Flexion, for instance, is the opposite movement, where the angle decreases, typically bending a limb. Ambulation refers to the ability to walk or move from one place to another and does not specifically address the movement of bending or straightening. Dysuria describes painful urination and is a condition rather than a movement term.