In the context of lower extremity assessment, what does "adduction" refer to?

• A. Moving the limb farther from the body
• B. Raising the limb to the front of the body
• C. Bringing the limb closer to the midline of the body
• D. Rotating the limb outward

Answer: (C)

Adduction refers to the movement of a limb toward the midline of the body. In the context of lower extremity assessment, this involves actions such as bringing the legs together from a spread-out position, effectively reducing the distance between the limbs and the centerline of the body. This movement is significant for assessing muscle function and joint health, as well as understanding a patient’s range of motion and coordination.

Movement away from the midline would be classified as abduction, which is opposite to adduction. Similarly, raising a limb to the front pertains to flexion, and rotating a limb outward refers to external rotation. Understanding these definitions is crucial for accurate anatomical descriptions and performing comprehensive physical assessments in clinical practice.