What does abduction involve in terms of body movement?

Abduction refers to a type of body movement where a limb or body part is moved away from the midline of the body. This movement plays an essential role in many physical activities, including walking, reaching, and performing various exercises. For instance, when you lift your arms straight out to the side, you are performing abduction of the arms. Similarly, if you move your leg out to the side, that action is also an example of abduction.

In contrast, other movements describe different actions: bringing a limb closer to the body would be termed adduction; rotation implies turning around an axis; while flexion refers to decreasing the angle between body parts, such as bending an elbow or knee. Understanding these terms is crucial for comprehending body mechanics and movement, particularly in healthcare and fitness settings.