Which term describes the movement of a body part towards the midline of the body?

The term that describes the movement of a body part towards the midline of the body is adduction. This action involves bringing limbs or other body parts closer together, effectively reducing the angle between them and the midline. For example, when you raise your arms out to the sides (abduction) and then bring them back towards your body, that motion is classified as adduction.

In contrast, abduction refers to moving a body part away from the midline, while extension and flexion describe movements that increase or decrease the angle at a joint, respectively. Thus, adduction is the specific term that accurately describes the movement toward the midline. Understanding these terms is crucial for proper communication regarding body movements in fitness and rehabilitation contexts.