What is Adduction?

About Adduction

adduction is an anatomical term describing the movement of a limb or other body part toward the body's midline. This action is essential for maintaining balance, coordination, and stability during various physical activities. Examples of adduction include bringing the arms to the sides of the body or closing the legs together.

The term originates from the Latin word "adducere," meaning "to bring toward." adduction movements typically occur in the coronal plane, which divides the body into front and back sections. The opposite of adduction is abduction, where the limb moves away from the midline.

Several muscles are responsible for performing adduction movements. In the upper body, muscles like the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi are involved in bringing the arms toward the torso. In the lower body, the adductor group of muscles, located in the inner thigh, plays a crucial role in bringing the legs together. These muscles include the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis.

Understanding adduction is vital for various fields, including physical therapy, sports medicine, and fitness training. Proper control and strengthening of the muscles involved in adduction can help prevent injuries, improve athletic performance, and enhance overall functional movement.