Which term describes turning a bone or limb around its long axis laterally or away from the midline?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes turning a bone or limb around its long axis laterally or away from the midline?

Explanation:
Rotating a bone around its long axis is called rotation. When the limb is turned so that the anterior surface moves away from the midline, that is lateral (external) rotation. This is the opposite of medial (internal) rotation, where the limb turns toward the midline. Abduction moves a limb away from the body in the frontal plane but doesn’t specify rotation about the bone’s axis, while flexion changes the joint angle. Therefore, the movement described as turning laterally away from the midline fits lateral rotation best.

Rotating a bone around its long axis is called rotation. When the limb is turned so that the anterior surface moves away from the midline, that is lateral (external) rotation. This is the opposite of medial (internal) rotation, where the limb turns toward the midline. Abduction moves a limb away from the body in the frontal plane but doesn’t specify rotation about the bone’s axis, while flexion changes the joint angle. Therefore, the movement described as turning laterally away from the midline fits lateral rotation best.

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