What is the term for moving a joint toward the body?

The term that describes moving a joint toward the body is adduction. In the context of anatomy and movement, adduction refers specifically to the action of bringing a body part closer to the midline of the body. This is in contrast to abduction, which is the movement of a body part away from the midline.

To illustrate this, consider the movement of the arms or legs. When you lower your arms to your sides after raising them, you are performing adduction. This movement is crucial for various actions in both daily life and athletic performance. Understanding this terminology is essential for a clear grasp of movement mechanics in veterinary medicine, particularly when assessing limb movements in animals.

The other terms refer to different types of movements. For example, extension refers to increasing the angle between body parts, circumduction involves a circular movement of a limb that combines flexion and extension, and abduction involves moving a limb away from the body's center. Each term highlights a distinct movement pattern, making it important to differentiate them accurately in a veterinary context.