Select the correct statements about the abduct and adduct.
Multiple select question.
Adductors move a body part toward midline.
Adductor muscles are found on the inner surface of the thigh.
The prefixes ab- and ad- have opposite meanings.
Abduction is movement of a body part away from midline.
Gluteus medius and minimus are thigh adductors.
Abductors move limbs away from the midline of the body.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct statements:
✅ Adductors move a body part toward midline.
✅ Adductor muscles are found on the inner surface of the thigh.
✅ The prefixes ab- and ad- have opposite meanings.
✅ Abduction is movement of a body part away from midline.
✅ Abductors move limbs away from the midline of the body.
❌ Gluteus medius and minimus are thigh adductors. (Incorrect: they are abductors)
Understanding the terms abduction and adduction is essential for describing movement in human anatomy. These terms originate from Latin: “ab-“ means away from, and “ad-“ means toward. This fundamental difference in meaning defines the actions of muscles that cause abduction and adduction.
Adduction refers to movement toward the midline of the body. Muscles that cause this movement are called adductors, and they are prominently located on the inner surface of the thigh. The primary adductor muscles in this area include the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis. These muscles help pull the legs inward, such as when squeezing the thighs together.
Abduction, on the other hand, is movement away from the midline of the body. Muscles responsible for this motion are known as abductors. For the thigh, the main abductors are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus—muscles located on the outer surface of the pelvis. These muscles are crucial for stabilizing the pelvis during walking and running and are not adductors, as the incorrect statement suggests.
Thus, when identifying muscle functions, remember:
- Adductors bring limbs toward the centerline (e.g., squeezing legs together).
- Abductors move limbs away from the centerline (e.g., lifting leg sideways).
This anatomical distinction plays a vital role in physical therapy, sports training, and understanding movement mechanics.
