Which term means movement away from the midline?

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

Answer: (B)

Movement away from the midline is called abduction. This term describes taking a limb or digit away from the body's midline, such as lifting an arm out to the side or moving a leg outward from the pelvis. Spreading the fingers is another example of abduction. In contrast, adduction moves parts toward the midline (like bringing the arm down to the body or bringing the fingers together). Flexion and extension relate to changing the angle of a joint—flexion decreases the angle, and extension increases it or returns to the neutral position. The question focuses on the direction away from the midline, which is abduction.