What does abduction refer to in terms of body movement?

Abduction refers specifically to the movement of a limb or body part away from the midline of the body. This term is commonly used in anatomy to describe actions such as raising the arms sideways away from the body or moving the legs outward away from the center. The key aspect of abduction is that it results in increasing the angle between the limb and the midline, effectively moving the limb away from the central axis of the body.

Understanding this definition is crucial for identifying and describing various exercises and movements in anatomy and physiology, as it allows for proper communication regarding how the body moves in different directions during functional activities.