Adduction

Definition

Adduction is a movement that brings a limb closer to the midline of the body or decreases the angle between two bones at a joint. It is opposite to abduction, which moves limbs away from the body's midline.

Related terms

Abduction: Abduction is the movement away from the midline of the body, similar to opening a book.

Flexion: Flexion decreases the angle between two bones at a joint, bending it, often bringing one bone closer to another.

Extension: Extension increases the angle between bones at a joint, straightening it out more than its normal position