Pronunciation: /æbˈdʌkʃən/ · Part of speech: noun · Opposite: adduction

Definition. Abduction is the movement of a body part away from the midline (median sagittal plane) of the body, or away from a neighbouring part. The midline is the imaginary vertical line that divides the body into right and left halves.

Plane and axis of movement. For most joints, abduction occurs in the coronal (frontal) plane, rotating around an anteroposterior (front-to-back) axis. The fingers and toes are an exception: their reference line is not the body midline but the long axis of the limb (the middle finger for the hand, the second toe for the foot), so spreading them apart is abduction.

Common examples.

• Raising a straight arm sideways, out from the body (shoulder abduction).
• Moving a leg outward, away from the other leg (hip abduction).
• Spreading the fingers apart, or fanning the toes.

Muscles involved. Muscles that produce this motion are called abductors. For example, the deltoid (middle fibres) abducts the shoulder, and the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus abduct the hip.

Clinical relevance. Abduction is used to describe positioning, range-of-motion assessment, and post-operative care. In the quoted nursing example, the patient’s legs were placed in abduction — held apart from the midline — a position often used after hip surgery to keep the joint stable and prevent dislocation.

Etymology / memory aid. From Latin abducere, “to lead away” (ab- = away + ducere = to lead). The everyday word abduction (a kidnapping) has the same root — someone is “taken away,” just as the body part moves away from the midline.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This explanation is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any clinical questions or patient care decisions.