What is abduction?

Abduction refers to the movement of a body part away from the midline of the body. This term is commonly used in anatomy and physiology to describe the action of moving limbs or other body parts in the lateral direction, effectively increasing the angle between those body parts and the center of the body.

For example, when you raise your arms sideways away from your body or spread your fingers apart, you are performing abduction. This movement is critical in various physical activities and is fundamental for understanding human biomechanics and physical therapy.

Understanding abduction is essential for medical assistants as they often need to describe patient movements accurately and may assist with exercises or rehabilitation programs that involve this specific motion. This knowledge is vital in ensuring effective communication with healthcare providers and in the proper care of patients.