In anatomical terminology, what does abduction describe?

• A. Bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones
• B. Rotating a limb so the palm faces posteriorly
• C. Movement of a body part away from the midline of the body
• D. Movement of a body part toward the midline of the body

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that anatomical terminology often describes movements relative to the body's standard anatomical position.
2. Recall that 'abduction' refers to the movement of a limb or body part away from the midline (the imaginary line dividing the body into left and right halves).
3. Contrast abduction with 'adduction,' which is the movement of a body part toward the midline.
4. Recognize that bending a joint to decrease the angle between two bones is called 'flexion,' not abduction.
5. Note that rotating a limb so the palm faces posteriorly is a type of rotation called 'pronation,' which is different from abduction.