Protraction

Protraction is a term used in anatomy to describe the anterior (forward) movement of an anatomical part of the body. It is the opposite of retraction, which is the posterior (backward) movement. Protraction is not the same as abduction, which is a movement that draws a limb away from the midline of the body, or adduction, which draws a limb toward the body's midline.

Anatomical Usage

In the context of the human body, protraction often refers to movements in the scapula (shoulder blade) and mandible (lower jaw).

• Scapular Protraction: This occurs when the shoulder blades move away from the midline along the back, such as when pushing against an object or throwing a punch.

• Mandibular Protraction: This refers to the forward movement of the lower jaw, such as when jutting the chin forward.

Clinical Significance

Protraction movements are essential for various daily activities and sports. However, excessive or insufficient protraction can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. For instance, prolonged scapular protraction, often seen in individuals with poor posture or those who sit for extended periods, can lead to shoulder impingement syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome.

See Also

• Retraction
• Abduction
• Adduction
• Shoulder impingement syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome

References

Protraction Resources
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