What term describes movement of a part away from the central axis of the body?

The term that describes the movement of a part away from the central axis of the body is "abduction." This movement typically involves limbs or body parts being moved laterally away from the midline. For example, when raising your arm sideways away from your torso, you are performing abduction of the arm.

Other terms mentioned refer to different types of movement. Adduction, for instance, is the opposite of abduction and involves moving a part toward the central axis. Flexion refers to decreasing the angle between body parts, such as bending the elbow or knee. Extension is the opposite of flexion, which increases that angle, like straightening the arm or leg. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for correctly identifying and describing body movements in anatomy and physiology.