Which term describes the movement towards the middle of the body?

Adduction is the term that describes the movement of a limb or other body part toward the midline of the body. This action can be observed in various parts of the body; for example, when you bring your arms down to your sides after raising them or when you close your legs after they have been spread apart.

This movement is essential for a range of physical activities and exercises, as it helps to stabilize the body and is often involved in promoting balance. Understanding adduction is fundamental for designing effective exercise programs that ensure proper form and safety, particularly in activities that involve the arms and legs.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different types of movements: rotation involves turning around an axis, extension refers to increasing the angle between body parts, and circumduction combines flexion and extension in a circular motion. Therefore, adduction is specifically focused on moving parts towards the body’s center.