What is the physiological effect of adduction?

Adduction refers specifically to the movement of a limb or body part toward the center of the body or toward the midline. This term is commonly used in anatomical and physiological contexts to describe how limbs are positioned relative to the body's axis. When a person performs an adduction movement, such as bringing their arms down to their sides after being raised or moving them closer together, they are effectively decreasing the angle between the limb and the body.

Understanding adduction is crucial in fields like physical therapy, anatomy, and exercise physiology, as it plays a key role in assessing muscular function and joint movements. This concept is also foundational in distinguishing it from other movements, such as abduction, which involves moving a limb away from the body.