What does adduction refer to in body movement?

Adduction refers to the movement of a body part toward the midline of the body. This term is commonly used in anatomy and kinesiology to describe various movements in the limbs, such as the arms and legs. For instance, when you bring your arms down to your sides after lifting them away from your body, that is an example of adduction.

This concept is essential in understanding how body movements are classified and how they relate to each other, particularly in contrast to abduction, which denotes movement away from the midline. By grasping the definition of adduction, you can better comprehend movement patterns during physical activities, exercises, and rehabilitation processes in clinical practice.