What does abduction refer to in movement terms?

Abduction refers to movement that takes a body part away from the midline of the body. This term is commonly used in anatomy and physical therapy to describe actions like raising the arms or legs sideways, which moves them away from the center of the body. For example, when a person lifts their arms out to the side, this is an example of abduction.

Understanding this movement is crucial for various physical activities and rehabilitation processes, where precise descriptions of bodily movements are necessary. The other choices reflect different types of movement: movement toward the midline is called adduction; rotation describes turning a limb around its axis; and flexing a joint involves decreasing the angle between two body parts. Recognizing these terms helps healthcare professionals communicate effectively about patient movement and physical conditions.