Common Terms Glossary Flashcards
Abduction
Movement of a body part away from the midline of the body
Adduction
Movement toward or beyond the midline of the body in the frontal plane
Agonist
A contracting muscle that is resisted or counteracted by another muscle, antagonist
Androgen
Any substance that aids in development and controls the appearance of male characteristics
Antagonist
A muscle that produces an action that is the opposite of the agonist
Anterior
Before or in front of
Anterior tilt
Forward tilt of the pelvic girdle
Assistant mover
A muscle that aids the prime mover to effect joint movement
Asymmetry (body)
Lack of symmetry of sides of the body
Atrophy
A wasting or decrease in size of an organ, tissue, or body part going to disease, injury, or lack of use
Axilla
The armpit
Biomechanics
A branch of study that applies the power of mechanics to living organisms and tissues
Bursa
A sack or saclike bodily cavity, especially one containing viscous lubricating fluid. Located between a tendon and a bone or at points of friction between moving structures.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa
Calisthenics
Exercise performed without weights or outside resistance designed to develop muscular tone and promote physical well-being
Chiropractor
One who practices a method for restoring normal condition by adjusting the segment of the spine
Circumduct
An act of moving a limb in a circular motion
Concentric contraction
When the muscle overcomes resistance causing the muscle to shorten and the joint angle to be reduced
Contra lateral
Situated in the opposite side
Cranial
Refers to the head or skull
Depression
Downward movement of a part of the body
Distal
Farthest away from the point of reference
Dorsal
Pertaining to the posterior portion of a body or segment
Dorsiflexion
Bending the body part towards the rear, opposite or plantar flexion