American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABSA Orthopedic Test with in-depth questions and explanations. Use flashcards and quizzes to excel in your exam!

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A muscle that moves a bone away from the midline of the body is known as what?

  1. Extensor

  2. Abductor

  3. Adductor

  4. Flexor

The correct answer is: Abductor

The correct answer, which identifies a muscle that moves a bone away from the midline of the body, is abductor. Abductor muscles play a crucial role in movements that require the limbs to move laterally, such as raising the arms to the side or moving the legs apart. This muscle action contributes to activities like walking, running, and lateral movements. In contrast to abductor muscles, extensor muscles are involved in extending a joint, adductor muscles bring limbs closer to the midline, and flexor muscles reduce the angle between two body parts. Understanding these muscle classifications is essential in orthopedic practice, as they help in diagnosing and treating injuries related to specific movements and muscle functions.