What refers to muscles that bring bones closer together by bending a joint?

The term that refers to muscles that bring bones closer together by bending a joint is "flexor." Flexor muscles contract to decrease the angle between the bones at a joint, allowing movements such as bending your arm at the elbow or bending your knee. This action is fundamental in various activities, such as lifting objects or walking, where the joints need to flex to execute the movement effectively.

In contrast, antagonist muscles generally oppose the action of flexors, and extensor muscles specifically work to straighten or extend the joint, thus increasing the angle between the bones. Understanding the role of flexors is essential in recognizing how our muscular system facilitates movement and coordination.