Which term describes the motion of a limb moving away from the midline?

The correct term for the motion of a limb moving away from the midline of the body is abduction. This anatomical term specifically describes the movement of a body part in a lateral direction, which effectively increases the angle between that limb and the midline. For instance, when you raise your arms or legs sideways away from your torso, this is an example of abduction.

In contrast, adduction is the movement towards the midline, which would involve bringing the limb closer to the center of the body. Flexion refers to the bending of a joint that decreases the angle between body parts, such as bending the elbow or knee. Extension is the opposite of flexion, as it straightens a joint and increases the angle between body parts. Understanding these terms is fundamental in assessing movements during medical evaluations and providing clear descriptions of a patient's range of motion.