Anatomy & Physiology

Choroid is an adjective borrowed from medical/scientific English describing a layer beneath the sclera of the eye or, more broadly in anatomy, a vascular-rich tissue region. It emphasizes a description of location and structure rather than a color or texture. In specialized contexts, it remains precise and formal, often encountered in ophthalmology and anatomy discussions.

Cilia are microscopic, hair-like projections extending from the surfaces of certain cells, especially in the respiratory tract, where they move rhythmically to sweep mucus and debris. In biology, cilia can be motile or sensory, playing roles in locomotion and signal detection. The term is plural; its singular is cilium. (2-4 sentences, concise, 50-80 words).

Ciliary is an adjective describing anything relating to or resembling a small hair-like projection, such as the cilia on cells or the ciliates. It is used in biological contexts to specify structures or processes involving these hair-like extensions. The term often appears in anatomy, cell biology, and physiology discussions. Pronunciation is stressed on the first syllable: CIL-i-ar-ee, with the primary emphasis on CIL.

Cochlea is a tiny, spiraled, snail-shaped structure in the inner ear that converts sound waves into neural signals. It is essential for hearing, containing fluid-filled chambers and hair cells that respond to sound frequencies. In anatomy contexts, it’s commonly discussed alongside the auditory nerve and semicircular canals.

Colliculus is a small, rounded prominence in an anatomical structure, typically referring to the superior or inferior colliculus in the midbrain. In anatomy, it denotes a raised area that serves as a relay or processing hub for sensory information, often involved in reflexive or integrative neural pathways.

Condyle is a rounded protrusion at the end of a bone that forms part of a joint, typically articulating with another bone. In anatomy, condyles serve as leverage points for muscles and ligaments, enabling smooth articulation. The term is used across body sites (e.g., femoral condyle, mandibular condyle).

Coracoid is a medical term used to describe a prominent hook-like bony process, especially on the scapula. In anatomy, it often appears in reference to the coracoid process. As an adjective, it can describe structures resembling a coracoid or pertaining to it. The term is used in technical contexts and requires precise articulation to distinguish from similar-sounding anatomy terms.

Coronoid is an anatomical adjective describing a beak-shaped or horn-like projection, as in coronoid process of the jawbone. It can also refer to structures resembling a corona or crown. The term is used in medical and dental contexts, and in anatomy when detailing horn-shaped ridges or projections. Formal and technical in tone, it appears most often in clinical descriptions and scholarly writing.

Cranium is a noun referring to the skull, especially the part protecting the brain. In medical or anatomical contexts, it denotes the entire skull as a bony case, excluding soft tissues. The term is common in academic, clinical, and educational discussions and is frequently contrasted with the facial bones.

Cribriform is an adjective describing a sieve-like or perforated structure, especially in anatomy (as the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone). It conveys a porous, lattice-like pattern. In medical contexts it often refers to a thin, sieve-like bone that allows passage of nerves or vessels. It can also describe any perforated, sieve-like configuration.

Crural is an adjective describing anything relating to the leg, especially the thigh or lower leg. It’s a technical term often found in anatomy or medicine and is used to specify structures or procedures associated with the leg. The word conveys precision and formality, not everyday speech.

Diaphragm is a dome-shaped, muscular partition that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and plays a key role in breathing. It contracts and flattens to enlarge the chest cavity, generating inhalation, and relaxes to allow exhalation. Used in anatomy, medicine, and physiology discussions, the term also appears in everyday talk about breathing techniques and sports performance.

Diaphysis is the hollow, elongated shaft of a long bone, located between the proximal and distal ends, primarily composed of compact bone tissue. It supports weight and provides a rigid framework for muscle attachment, while the medullary cavity houses bone marrow. The term is commonly used in anatomy and medicine to distinguish the shaft from the ends (epiphyses).

Duodenum is the first section of the small intestine, connecting the stomach to the jejunum. It plays a key role in digestion by mixing chyme with bile and pancreatic fluids. The term denotes a C-shaped, 25–30 cm segment where acid neutralization and enzymatic activity begin before nutrient absorption continues further along the gut.

Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, acting as a protective barrier. It is a multi-layered tissue formed mainly of keratinocytes, with no blood vessels of its own. In anatomy and dermatology, the epidermis covers the dermis and plays a key role in barrier function and sensation, while re-epithelialization restores skin after injury.

Epiglottis is a small leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue that folds down to cover the windpipe during swallowing, helping to direct food toward the esophagus and away from the airway. It plays a crucial role in protecting respiration and guiding the larynx during swallowing. The term comes from Greek roots and is used in medical contexts and anatomy discussions.

Epithelium is a tissue layer that lines surfaces and cavities of the body, providing protection, absorption, and secretion. It consists of closely packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix. The term is used in biology and medicine to describe the cellular sheet forming the outer layer of organs and structures such as skin and the lining of the gut.

Esophagus is the muscular tube that transports swallowed material from the pharynx to the stomach through coordinated peristaltic waves. In medical contexts it is often called the gullet or œsophagus, but in US English the standard term is esophagus. It is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable and often features a long a/e sound depending on accent.

Ethmoid is a delicate, pyramidal bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbits, situated between the sphenoid and nasal bones. It contributes to the ethmoidal labyrinth and cribriform plate, and its pronounced complexity makes it a challenging term for medical and dental contexts. Use precise articulation to distinguish it from similar skull-base terms.

Falx is a slender, curved surgical blade used in medieval tools and antiquated medical contexts, also referring to a curved blade historically associated with certain gladiatorial weapons. In anatomy, it denotes a curved structure or fold, and in biology, a sickle-shaped part. The term is rare in modern everyday speech and primarily appears in specialized texts.

Gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the small intestine as needed for digestion. In medical contexts, it is often discussed regarding gallstones or biliary function. The term combines gall, meaning bile, with bladder, a hollow organ.

Genu is a noun referring to the knee, especially in anatomical or anatomical-illustrative contexts. It can denote a bend or angle in the knee or, more formally, the knee joint itself in medical or biological discourse. The term is used in specialized settings, often as part of phrases like genu valgum or genu recurvatum, and is less common in everyday speech.

Glabella is a anatomical term for the smooth area of the forehead between the eyebrows. It is used in medical and anatomical contexts and is pronounced with a three-syllable stress pattern, often as glo-BEL-la or gluh-BEL-əh, depending on dialect, and refers specifically to the prominence above the nasal bridge.

Gracilis is a scientific noun—referring to the gracilis muscle, a slender, long muscle located in the inner thigh. In anatomy contexts it’s used to name the muscle and its related structures; in broader biomedical discourse it may appear in descriptions of muscle anatomy and physiology. The term is used in professional or academic settings and is commonly encountered in medical literature and lectures.