To move away from the midline of the body, or a body part, is called what movement?

To move away from the midline of the body, or a body part, is called what movement?

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

Answer: (C)

Abduction is the movement of a limb or body part away from the midline of the body. For example, lifting the arm out to the side or spreading the fingers apart are abduction movements. Adduction, by contrast, brings a limb toward the midline. Flexion and extension describe bending and straightening a joint, changing the angle between bones rather than their position relative to the midline. So the action of moving away from the body's midline is abduction.

Abduction is the movement of a limb or body part away from the midline of the body. For example, lifting the arm out to the side or spreading the fingers apart are abduction movements. Adduction, by contrast, brings a limb toward the midline. Flexion and extension describe bending and straightening a joint, changing the angle between bones rather than their position relative to the midline. So the action of moving away from the body's midline is abduction.