Which movement is characterized by raising the arms sideways away from the body?

The movement characterized by raising the arms sideways away from the body is referred to as abduction. Abduction involves the lateral movement of a body part away from the midline, which, in this case, refers to the arms moving outward. This action can be easily visualized when someone lifts their arms out to the sides, creating an angle between the arms and the body.

In anatomy, abduction is critical for understanding body movements, particularly in contexts such as physical therapy, exercise, and rehabilitation, where various ranges of motion are necessary for assessing strength and flexibility. Recognizing abduction is essential for differentiating it from other similar movements, which can have distinct implications in medical practice.

In contrast, adduction refers to movements towards the midline of the body, extension is the straightening motion that increases the angle between body parts, and flexion decreases the angle between body parts. Understanding these terms allows healthcare professionals to communicate effectively regarding patient movement and rehabilitation goals.