[TA] (1) The act of bringing the distal portion of a joint in continuity (although only parallel) with the long axis of the proximal portion. (2) A pulling or dragging force exerted on a limb in a distal direction. (3) The movement produced by contraction of one or more extensor muscles; it generally results in the straightening of a limb; axial traction that generally lengthens a limb or straightens the trunk; the opposite or antagonistic movement of flexion. (4) Obsolete term for traction. [L. extensus, past part. of extendere, to stretch out, extend]