Which term describes a movement towards the midline of the body?

The term that describes a movement towards the midline of the body is adduction. This action involves bringing a limb or other body part closer to the centerline of the body. For example, when you lower your arms to your sides after having them stretched out to the sides, you are performing adduction.

This movement is the opposite of abduction, which refers to moving a body part away from the midline. Understanding these directional terms is essential for describing movements in anatomy and physiology. In contrast, extension and flexion refer to movements that increase or decrease the angle between body parts, such as bending or straightening the arm at the elbow. Thus, adduction is correctly identified as the movement towards the midline.