What term refers to the abduction of the scapula?

The term that refers to the abduction of the scapula is protraction. Protraction involves moving the scapulae away from the spine, which is essentially a forward or lateral movement that increases the distance between the scapulae. This movement is important in various activities, such as reaching forward or pushing, where the shoulder blades move apart to allow for greater range of motion in the shoulders.

In contrast, retraction would involve the scapulae moving closer together towards the spine, while elevation refers to the upward movement of the scapulae. Depression is the opposite, involving moving the scapulae downward. Understanding these terms is crucial in fields like fitness and kinesiology, as they describe essential movements that affect upper body mechanics and stability.