Which definition matches Adduction?

• A. Motion away from the body
• B. Rotation of the limb toward the midline
• C. Lateral movement of a limb
• D. Motion toward the midline of the body

Answer: (D)

Adduction is movement toward the midline of the body. It brings a limb closer to the center, such as lowering an arm from an elevated position back to your side or bringing the legs together from a spread position. This is the opposite of abduction, which moves a limb away from the midline. Rotation toward the midline is a rotational action (medial rotation) and is a different type of movement, while lateral movement describes moving away from the midline. So the definition that matches adduction is motion toward the midline of the body.