New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Movement away from the body's midline is termed:

1. Flexion

2. Extension

3. Adduction

4. Abduction

The correct answer is: Abduction

Movement away from the body's midline is referred to as abduction. This term describes the action where a limb or part moves laterally, increasing the angle between the body and the member being moved. For instance, when raising your arms away from your body, you are performing abduction. Understanding the context of this term is essential in anatomy and physiology, especially when studying body movements in scenarios like emergency medical situations. For example, knowing the difference between abduction and adduction (which refers to movement towards the midline) can help an EMT assess injuries and provide appropriate care. Flexion typically describes the bending of a joint, decreasing the angle between two body parts (like bending the elbow), while extension is the opposite action, straightening the limb back out. Therefore, both of these movements are unrelated to the concept of moving away from the midline. Recognizing these terms and their meanings is crucial for effective communication in medical practice.