Abduction (Latin ab = from, and ductum = led) is the movement of a body part away from the axis or midline of the body in the coronal plane. In the case of the fingers and toes, the term abduction refers to the spreading of these structures, i.e., their movement away from the axis of the limb.

 

Muscles that carry out abduction are called abductors and are largely found in the limbs and neck.

 

Adduction

Adduction is the movement of a body part toward the axis or midline of the body in the coronal plane. In the case of the fingers and toes, the term adduction refers to the drawing together of these structures, i.e., their movement toward the axis of the limb.

 

Muscles that carry out adduction are called adductors.; an example is the adductor magnus in the thigh.