What term is used to describe movements towards the midline of the body?

The term used to describe movements towards the midline of the body is adduction. Adduction is a fundamental movement in anatomy that involves bringing a limb or body part closer to the center of the body. This is opposite to abduction, which refers to movements away from the midline.

For example, when you raise your arms to the side and then bring them down back to your sides, that action is adduction because your arms are moving toward the midline of your torso. This term is crucial for understanding various movements in physical therapy, sports science, and anatomy, as it helps describe how different body parts relate to one another during movement.

In contrast, other movements such as flexion and extension deal with bending and straightening joints, rather than lateral positioning in relation to the body's midline. Understanding these terms allows for more precise descriptions of movements in both clinical and fitness contexts.