What does the term "adduction" refer to?

The term "adduction" refers to the movement of a limb or body part toward the midline of the body. This is a fundamental concept in anatomy and physiology, especially in the study of human movement and the musculoskeletal system. When a person raises their arms out to the sides and then brings them back down toward the body, this action of bringing the limbs closer to the center is classified as adduction.

In contrast, other movements like abduction would describe the movement away from the midline, which illustrates the distinction between these terms. Understanding adduction is essential for fields such as physical therapy, sports medicine, and anatomy, as it provides clarity regarding how body parts move relative to one another and the center of the body.