Understand the concept of antagonistic movements: In anatomy, antagonistic movements refer to actions that oppose each other. For example, flexion and extension are opposite movements.
Define extension: Extension is the movement that increases the angle between body parts, typically straightening a limb at a joint.
Define flexion: Flexion is the movement that decreases the angle between body parts, typically bending a limb at a joint.
Identify the antagonistic movement to extension: Since extension increases the angle at a joint, the antagonistic movement would be flexion, which decreases the angle.
Review other options: Adduction, rotation, and abduction are different types of movements that do not directly oppose extension. Adduction brings a limb closer to the body's midline, rotation involves turning around an axis, and abduction moves a limb away from the body's midline.