Which of the following describes a characteristic of flexion?

Flexion is defined as the movement that decreases the angle between two body parts, effectively bringing them closer together. This action typically occurs at joints, such as when you bend your elbow or knee. During flexion, the body parts involved move toward each other, resulting in a reduction of the angle formed at the joint.

Other options do not accurately define flexion. For instance, straightening a joint describes extension, which is the opposite of flexion. Rotational movement refers to a different type of motion where a body part pivots around a central point, usually involving a circular movement. Lastly, movement away from the midline is known as abduction, which is also distinct from the definition of flexion. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate anatomical and physiological descriptions.