Which term describes the act of moving a limb outward, away from the center of the body?

The term that describes the act of moving a limb outward, away from the center of the body, is known as abduction. This movement increases the angle between the limb and the midline of the body, effectively moving the limb away from the central axis.

For instance, when you lift your arms sideways away from your body, that action is classified as abduction. This is an essential concept in anatomy and kinesiology, as understanding the directional terms is crucial for describing movements and functions within the musculoskeletal system.

In contrast, adduction refers to bringing a limb closer to the center of the body, which is the opposite of abduction. Flexion involves decreasing the angle between two body parts, such as bending an elbow, while extension increases that angle, often straightening a limb. Each of these terms highlights the various ways limbs can move and interact with the body's central point, providing a clearer understanding of functional movement in anatomical studies.