ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

In anatomical terms, what does abduction refer to?

1. Movement toward the midline

2. Movement away from the midline

3. Rotation of a limb inward

4. Flexion of the joint

The correct answer is: Movement away from the midline

Abduction refers to the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body. In anatomical terms, when a body part moves in a direction that increases the angle between it and the midline, it is considered abduction. This term is commonly used to describe movements of the arms and legs, such as raising the arms out to the side, away from the body, or moving the legs laterally away from the body's central axis. Understanding abduction is essential in fields like personal training and physical therapy, as it plays a vital role in various exercises, mobility, and rehabilitation programs. It helps in analyzing movements and assessing functional capabilities or limitations in individuals. In contrast, movement toward the midline is known as adduction, and terms like rotation and flexion refer to different types of joint movements that do not relate directly to the concept of moving away from the midline.