Movement toward the midline is called what?

Movement toward the midline is called what?

• A. Abduction
• B. Adduction
• C. Flexion
• D. Extension

Answer: (B)

Movement toward the center of the body is adduction. It means bringing a limb closer to the midline. For example, pulling the arms toward your chest from a wide position or moving the legs inward so the knees come together are adduction movements. The adductor muscles are the ones that help with this action. Abduction, by contrast, is moving away from the midline (like lifting the arms out to the sides). Flexion and extension describe changes in joint angles (bending and straightening) and aren’t defined by toward/away from the midline.

Movement toward the center of the body is adduction. It means bringing a limb closer to the midline. For example, pulling the arms toward your chest from a wide position or moving the legs inward so the knees come together are adduction movements. The adductor muscles are the ones that help with this action.

Abduction, by contrast, is moving away from the midline (like lifting the arms out to the sides). Flexion and extension describe changes in joint angles (bending and straightening) and aren’t defined by toward/away from the midline.