What is the medical term for the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body?

The term that describes the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body is "abduction." This action is fundamental in understanding how limbs move in relation to the body's central axis. For instance, when you raise your arms laterally away from your sides, you are performing abduction.

This movement is often contrasted with adduction, which refers to bringing a limb closer to the midline. Flexion involves decreasing the angle between body parts, such as bending the elbow or knee, while extension increases that angle, like straightening the arm or leg. Understanding these terms is crucial for a CNA, as they need to describe movements accurately when assessing patients or documenting care.