What describes the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body?

Abduction is the anatomical term used to describe the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body. This motion increases the angle between the limb and the torso, allowing for various movements, such as raising the arms sideways away from the body or spreading the fingers apart. Understanding this term is fundamental in fields like physical therapy, as it helps professionals describe and analyze patient movements and rehabilitation exercises accurately. The other terms provided, such as adduction, refer to movements toward the midline, while flexion and extension pertain to bending and straightening movements, respectively, rather than lateral positioning. Thus, the clarity in understanding these specific terms becomes essential in both assessment and communication within the context of physical therapy.