Glossary of Terms

A
Abduction
 To draw away from the midline of the body

Adduction

 To draw toward the midline of the body
Adipose
 Fat, either white or brown; of a fatty nature

C

Condyle

 Rounded bony structure serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments

E

Extension

 The straightening of a flexed limb or part

F

Femur

 The thigh bone Flexion the bending at a joint which brings two joints closer to each other
H
Hernia/Herniation The abnormal protrusion of an organ or disc, or a part of an organ or disc through an aperture in the surrounding structures.

I

Ilium, iliac
 The upper part of the hip bone
Iliotibial Tract muscle,
or Iliotibial Band (ITB)
 Band of connective tissue extending from the ilium to to the lateral condyle of the tibia. This muscle braces the knee when walking.
L
Lateral Rotation
 To rotate to the side of the body
Ligament, ligamentous
 Strong band of fibrous tissue joining bone to bone or other parts together or to support an organ
Lordosis
 Convex curve of the lumbar spine. "Sway back".
Lumbar
 Pertaining to the loin. The lumbar spine usually consists of 5 vertebrae in the lower, loin area of the back.
M
Medial Rotation
 To rotate toward midine of body
P
Pronate, prone
 To place face downwards or to turn the palm of the hand downwards.
R
Radius
 Outside bone of forearm, from the elbow toward thumb
S
Sacrum, sacral
 The triangular bone in the lower area of the spine between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the coccyx
Scapula
 Shoulder blade
Subcutaneous Beneath the skin
Supinate, supine
 Turn or lay face or palm upward.
T

Tendon

 White, fibrous cord which attaches muscle to bone
Trochanters
 Two processes, the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter on the femur. The greater trochanter on the outer side of the femur is sometimes called the "hip bone". The lesser trochanter is on the inner side of the femur. They serve as attachment points for muscles.
Tuberosity
 Bony prominence