Which of the following best describes circumduction?

• A. A movement that increases the angle between two bones
• B. A movement of a body part away from the midline
• C. A circular movement that combines flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction
• D. A rotational movement around a single axis

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'circumduction': Circumduction is a circular movement that involves multiple motions, including flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, occurring sequentially to create a cone-shaped motion.
2. Break down the components: Flexion refers to decreasing the angle between two bones, extension increases the angle, abduction moves a body part away from the midline, and adduction brings it back toward the midline.
3. Visualize the motion: Imagine moving your arm in a circular motion, such as when drawing a circle in the air with your hand. This combines all the movements mentioned above.
4. Compare circumduction to other movements: Note that circumduction is distinct from simple rotational movement, which occurs around a single axis, and from movements that only increase or decrease angles between bones.
5. Apply the concept: Recognize that circumduction is commonly seen in ball-and-socket joints like the shoulder and hip, where the joint allows for this complex range of motion.