What is the definition of "abduction" in terms of body movement?

The definition of "abduction" in terms of body movement refers to the action of moving a limb or body part away from the midline of the body. This is an important concept in anatomy and physical movement, as understanding the direction of movement helps to correctly describe and document actions, especially in a clinical setting. For instance, lifting the arm sideways away from the torso or having the leg move outward from the standing position are both examples of abduction.

In contrast, other terms describe different movements: the movement toward the midline is referred to as "adduction," while rotating the palm down is a separate action known as "pronation," and bending motion is typically defined as "flexion." Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for accurately interpreting and encoding medical data related to body movements.