Which term describes movement toward the midline?

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

Answer: (A)

Movement toward the midline is called adduction. The midline is an imaginary line running down the center of the body, and adduction brings a limb closer to that line. For example, bringing the arms down to the sides or bringing the thighs together from a wide stance are adduction movements. The opposite is abduction, which moves away from the midline, such as lifting the arms out to the sides. Flexion and extension describe bending and straightening a joint, changing the angle between bones, rather than moving toward or away from the body's center. So adduction is the correct term because it specifically denotes movement toward the midline.