Abduction is defined as which of the following?

• A. Rotation around a limb
• B. Movement away from the midline
• C. Movement toward the midline
• D. Flexion

Answer: (B)

Abduction means moving a body part away from the midline of the body. This is seen when you lift a limb out to the side or spread your fingers or toes, increasing the distance from the body's center. Moving toward the midline is adduction, such as bringing a limb back in toward the body. Rotation refers to turning a part around its axis, not simply moving it away from or toward the midline. Flexion is bending a joint to decrease the angle between bones. So the description that fits abduction is movement away from the midline.