Which of the following terms describes movement towards and away from the midline of the body?

Movement towards the midline of the body is termed adduction, while movement away from the midline is known as abduction. These terms are fundamental in understanding how limbs and appendages move relative to the body’s center.

For instance, when you bring your arms down to your sides after lifting them up, this is an example of adduction. Conversely, when you raise your arms to the side away from your body, this action is classified as abduction. Both terms are typically used in various contexts, such as in exercises, anatomy, and movement analysis.

Understanding these movements is crucial for kinesiologists and fitness professionals as they teach exercises, assess clients' movements, and design effective workout programs. Knowing the distinction helps in ensuring that clients are performing movements safely and effectively, targeting the correct muscle groups during exercises.