Glossary
Glossary of Terms
- Acromioclavicular Joint:
- A joint at the top of the shoulder. This joint is the articulation of the acromion and the clavicle.
- Acromion:
- Part of the scapula that forms the highest part of the shoulder.
- Articulation:
- A fixed or movable joint between bones; a movable joint between inflexible parts of the body.
- Atlas:
- The first vertebra of the cervical spine. Also referred to as C1.
- Axis:
- The second vertebra of the cervical spine. Also referred to as C2.
- Baby Boomer:
- Generally speaking, Americans born between 1946 and 1964. For our purposes, anyone born during that time, regardless of where, fits into the ‘Baby Boomer’ age demographic.
- Ball-and-socket joint:
- A joint, such as the shoulder or hip, in which a rounded end of a bone moves within a rounded cavity of another. This type of joint grants the highest degree of range of motion.
- Clavicle:
- More commonly known as the “collar bone”.
- Cervical Spine:
- 7 vertebrae, known as C1-C7, beginning at the base of the skull. These vertebrae allow the head to rotate and bend.
- Extension:
- Straightening movement that increases the angle between two body parts. Opposite of Flexion.
- Flexion:
- Bending movement that decreases the angle between two parts. Opposite of Extension.
- Hinge Joint:
- A joint, such as the elbow, in which a convex part of one bone fits into a concave part of another, allowing motion in only one plane.
- Joint:
- A point of articulation between two or more bones, especially such a connection that allows motion.
- Lateral Rotation:
- A turning away from the midline of the body. Opposite of Medial Rotation.
- Lumbar Spine:
- 5 vertebrae, known as L1 through L5, located above the base of the spine. Some people have a 6th lumbar vertebrae (L6).
- Medial rotation:
- A turning towards the midline of the body. Opposite of Lateral Rotation.
- Pivot Joint:
- A joint, such as the neck, in which a bone rotates around another.
- Range of Motion:
- Measurement of the extent to which a joint can go through all of its normal spectrum of movements.
- Scapula:
- Shoulder blade.
- Sternoclavicular Joint:
- The articulation that joins the clavicle, the sternum, and the cartilage of the first rib.
- Sternum:
- More commonly known as the “breastbone”.
- Synovial Fluid:
- A clear fluid secreted by membranes in joint cavities that functions as a lubricant.
- Thoracic Spine:
- 12 vertebrae, T1-T12, located in the chest area. The ribs connect to the thoracic spine.
- Vertebrae:
- Any of the small bones that make up the spinal column.
This is a work in progress and will be updated as needed.