What movement is characterized by flexion combined with abduction?

The movement characterized by flexion combined with abduction is circumduction. This motion involves a circular movement where the limb sequentially flexes, rotates, and then abducts, creating a conical path of movement. This is common at joints such as the shoulder and hip, allowing limbs to move in a circular or sweeping motion.

In understanding this movement, it's clear that circumduction is not simply a combination of flexion and abduction in isolation but also includes elements of rotation, which allows for greater mobility and range of motion at the joint. This combination is what distinguishes circumduction from other movements that involve either flexion or rotation on their own.