What movement term refers to the action of moving a limb toward the midline of the body?

The term that refers to the action of moving a limb toward the midline of the body is adduction. This movement is significant in various physical activities and is also crucial for maintaining balance and coordination. When a limb, such as an arm or leg, moves closer to the center of the body, it is performing adduction.

For example, when you bring your arms down to your sides from a raised position, or when you bring your leg back to a neutral position after lifting it to the side, you are engaging in adduction. This movement is often studied in anatomy and physiology, as understanding the functions of various muscle groups is essential for health professionals, including CNAs.

Abduction, on the other hand, refers to moving a limb away from the midline, while extension and flexion describe movements related to increasing or decreasing the angle between body parts, respectively. Understanding these terms helps in recognizing and describing movements observed during physical assessments or when assisting patients with mobility.