How is "abduction" defined in terms of limb movement?

Abduction is defined as the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body. This type of movement occurs in various joints and is essential for various physical activities, such as stretching the arms out to the sides or moving the legs away from the body while standing or lying down. The term itself derives from Latin, where 'ab' means "away" and 'ducere' means "to lead," which illustrates the direction of the movement.

Understanding abduction is crucial in the context of anatomy and kinesiology since it plays a significant role in assessing and describing human movement, especially in medical and therapeutic settings. For instance, during physical examinations or in rehabilitation scenarios, knowing the proper terminology for movements like abduction assists healthcare professionals in conveying and understanding patient conditions more effectively.