What does retraction refer to in anatomical terms?

In anatomical terminology, retraction specifically refers to the action of moving a part of the body backward, as in pulling the shoulders or jaw backward. This movement is often associated with the scapulae (shoulder blades) coming closer together or the jaw moving posteriorly. Understanding retraction is crucial in fields such as physical therapy, sports medicine, and anatomy because it plays a significant role in posture and movement mechanics. For example, during exercises like rowing, retraction is important for engaging the upper back muscles effectively.