California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Practice Test

What body position refers to movement toward the midline?

1. Adduction

2. Lateral

3. Extension

4. Inferior

The correct answer is: Adduction

The term that refers to movement toward the midline of the body is adduction. In anatomical terminology, adduction specifically describes the action of bringing a body part closer to the center line of the body or closer to another body part. For example, when the arms are lowered to the sides of the body from an outstretched position, they are moving in an adductive manner. Adduction is often contrasted with abduction, which means moving a body part away from the midline. This distinction is fundamental in understanding various movements in human anatomy and physiology, particularly in fields like physical therapy, sports science, and medicine. Other terms in the question refer to different types of movements or positions. Lateral refers to movement away from the midline, extension involves increasing the angle between body parts, and inferior describes a position lower on the body. Each of these terms plays a critical role in describing anatomical actions but does not specifically convey the concept of moving toward the midline as adduction does.