Which action describes abduction?

Abduction is defined as the movement of a body part away from the midline of the body. This is a fundamental concept in anatomy and movement science, where the midline is an imaginary line that divides the body into left and right halves. For example, when you raise your arms or legs sideways away from your body, you are performing abduction.

The concept of abduction is essential in various physical activities and is often contrasted with adduction, which is the movement of a body part toward the midline. Understanding these movements can help in evaluating muscle function, joint mechanics, and the effects of different exercises on the body.

Other actions listed involve different types of movement; for instance, rotating a body part relates to rotation, while bending a joint pertains to flexion. Moving a body part toward the midline is relevant in the context of adduction, which is the direct opposite of abduction. Thus, the correct identification of abduction clarifies its unique role in human movement.