What is the term for the bending of the head or torso to the side?

Lateral flexion specifically refers to the movement of bending the head or torso to the side, effectively decreasing the angle between the body and the lateral portion of the trunk. This movement engages the oblique muscles and the muscles on the opposite side of the spine, allowing for a range of motion that is integral in various physical activities and exercises.

In the context of anatomy and kinesiology, understanding lateral flexion is crucial because it plays a significant role in activities such as reaching, bending, and twisting motions. It distinguishes itself from other movements like flexion, which involves bending a joint and decreasing the angle between two parts, and extension, which is the opposite action where the angle increases. Medial flexion is not a standard term in this context and may confuse learners since it is not conventionally used to describe lateral bending. Therefore, lateral flexion is the appropriate term for the described movement.