Anatomy & Physiology

Hilum is a noun meaning the scar or opening where vessels, nerves, or ducts enter or leave an organ, such as the lung or kidney. It denotes a central, functional point of entry or exit, often appearing as a recessed or shaded area in anatomical diagrams. The term is used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe this critical connecting site.

Hippocampus is a seahorse-shaped structure in the brain’s limbic system, essential for forming new memories and spatial navigation. As a noun, it refers specifically to this neural region, typically discussed in neuroscience and anatomy contexts. The term combines hippocampus’s Greek roots with modern anatomical usage, and is used in both clinical and research discourse.

Humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow. It articulates with the scapula at the shoulder and with the radius and ulna at the elbow, forming the arm’s principal structure. In anatomy contexts it’s a common term in clinical and educational discussions.

Ileocecal is an adjective describing the relationship or junction between the ileum and the cecum in anatomy. It’s used in medical contexts to refer to structures, valves, or regions at the ileocecal valve or ileocecal area. The term is most often encountered in clinical anatomy, pathology notes, and surgical discussions.

Ileum is the final and longest section of the small intestine, ending at the ileocecal valve. It primarily absorbs bile acids, vitamin B12, and other nutrients. In anatomy contexts, it’s contrasted with the jejunum and duodenum and is often discussed in relation to gastrointestinal physiology and disorders.

Iliac is an adjective relating to the ilium, the uppermost part of the hip bone. It is used in anatomical contexts to describe things connected with or situated near the ilium. The term is pronounced with two syllables and a short i, typically used in formal medical or anatomical writing and discussion.

Ilium is a medical/anatomical term denoting the uppermost and largest part of the hip bone (os coxae). It forms the superior and anterior portion of the pelvis, and serves as the major point of muscle attachment. In anatomy discussions, ilium contrasts with the ischium and pubis, which together comprise the hip bone. The word is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable: ˈɪliəm.

Incus is a small, anvil-shaped middle ear bone that transmits sound vibrations from the malleus to the stapes. In anatomical terms, it is one of the three auditory ossicles essential for efficient hearing. The word is used in anatomy and medicine and is pronounced with two syllables. The term has Latin roots and is primarily found in scientific contexts.

Inguinal is an anatomical term referring to the groin region where the abdomen meets the thigh. It is used to describe structures, hernias, or passages in that area. The word is technical and most often appears in medical or clinical contexts rather than everyday speech.

Intervertebral is an adjective describing anything situated or occurring between adjacent vertebrae of the spine. It is used mainly in medical contexts to refer to structures, spaces, or discs located between vertebral bones.

Iris (noun) refers to the colored part of the eye that regulates light entry and pupil size, and also to a genus of flowering plants. It denotes a circular ring around the pupil and, in botany, a flowering plant with a showy, often iris-like bloom. The term has specialized medical and botanical uses beyond everyday reference.

Ischial is an anatomical term describing the lower, curved portion of the hip bone (the ischium). It’s used primarily in medical contexts to refer to structures near the ischial tuberosity, such as ischial bursae or ischial tuberosities. The word is seldom used outside clinical anatomy, but precise pronunciation is important in professional discussions and tutorials.

Ischium is a paired pelvic bone forming the lower and posterior part of the hip. In anatomy, it’s the sit-bone area, contributing to the acetabulum and obturator foramen. The term denotes a specific bone, not a general region, and appears in medical contexts, anatomy discussions, and clinical descriptions.

Jugular is a noun referring to the jugular vein or the region of the neck through which it passes. In medical contexts it denotes anatomical structures related to the neck’s venous system, and in general usage it can describe things situated near the neck. The term is commonly encountered in anatomy, surgery, and clinical descriptions, and it carries a formal register.

Lacrimal is an adjective describing anything related to tears or tear production, especially the lacrimal apparatus in the eye. In medical and anatomical contexts it often refers to tear glands or tear ducts. The term is used in precise, technical language and appears in ophthalmology and anatomy discussions.

Laryngeal is an adjective relating to the larynx (voice box). It is used in anatomy, physiology, and medicine to describe structures, nerves, or functions associated with the larynx, especially in discussions of voice production and airway protection. The term is common in technical or academic contexts and may appear in medical literature and anatomical texts.

A larynx is a cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea that houses the vocal cords and governs voice production and airway protection. It functions as a valve for breathing, swallowing, and phonation. The term is used in anatomy, medicine, and speech-language pathology to describe this vital organ.

Ligament is a band of tough connective tissue that connects bones or cartilage across joints, stabilizing and guiding movement. It is typically fibrous, collagen-rich, and non-elastic, contributing to joint integrity. In anatomy discussions, ligaments are distinguished from tendons, nerves, and capsules, though they work together to support musculoskeletal function.

Lingual is an adjective relating to the tongue or to languages in a linguistic sense. It is used in anatomical descriptions (lingual muscles) and in academic discussions of language families, scripts, or linguistic features. In everyday use, it often appears in technical contexts rather than casual speech, signaling a focus on tongue-based articulation or language-related phenomena.

Lumbar (adj.) pertains to the lower part of the spine, specifically the lumbar region between the ribs and pelvis. It describes anatomy, muscles, disc issues, or movements related to this area. In clinical and anatomical contexts, it’s used to specify the lower-back region and its structures.

Lymphatic is an adjective describing the lymphatic system, vessels, or tissues related to lymph fluid and lymph nodes. It denotes structures or processes involved in drainage and immune function, often used in medical or anatomical contexts. The term combines lymph with -atic, indicating a characteristic or pertaining to lymph.

Mandible is the jawbone that forms your lower jaw, supporting teeth and enabling chewing and speaking motions. In anatomy and medicine, it refers specifically to this singular bone, which connects with the skull at the temporomandibular joints. The term is used in clinical descriptions, surgical planning, and educational contexts to distinguish the lower jaw from the maxilla (upper jaw).

Maxilla (plural maxillae) is the upper jawbone forming the central facial skeleton, holding the upper teeth and forming parts of the eye sockets, nasal cavity, and palate. In anatomy and medicine, it denotes one of the paired facial bones, contributing to facial structure and dental alignment. The term is used in clinical contexts and anatomy coursework.

Medulla is a medical/anatomical term referring to the inner part or core region of an organ, typically the inner portion of the brainstem in vertebrates. In broader biology, medulla denotes the central or innermost layer of a structure. The word is often used in clinical and anatomical contexts to describe core functional regions. It conveys a sense of essential, central substance within a larger system.