Abductor

Definition

In anatomy and physiology, an abductor is a muscle that moves a limb or part away from the midline of the body or from another part. It is essential in actions such as spreading the fingers or toes, and moving the arms or legs laterally.

Related terms

Adductor:

A muscle that moves a limb or part toward the midline of the body or towards another part.

Flexor:

A muscle that decreases the angle between two bones at a joint, bending them closer together.

Extensor:

A muscle that increases the angle between two bones at a joint, straightening them out