What term describes the movement of a joint toward the midline of the body?

The term that describes the movement of a joint toward the midline of the body is adduction. Adduction involves bringing a limb or body part closer to the central axis of the body. This motion is commonly observed in various physical activities; for example, when you bring your arms down to your sides from a raised position or when you bring your legs together.

In contrast, abduction refers to the movement away from the midline. Flexion and extension pertain to the bending and straightening of joints, respectively. Flexion decreases the angle between two body parts, while extension increases that angle. Therefore, adduction is the correct term for the movement directed towards the midline, distinctly highlighting its role in body mechanics.