Final Answer:
Muscle groups work contracting to move joints by shortening not expanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct term for the action of muscles in this context is "contracting." Muscles contract to generate force and facilitate movement.
The phrase "move joints by shortening" accurately describes the biomechanics of muscle contraction. When muscles contract, they pull on tendons, which, in turn, move the associated joints.
"Expanding" is not an accurate term for describing muscle action in the context of joint movement. Muscles typically contract or shorten to produce movement, not expand.
While both "contracting" and "flexing" describe muscle actions, the latter is not as precise in the context of joint movement. Muscles contract to produce a range of movements, which may include flexion, extension, etc.