Anatomy & Physiology

Sulcus is a shallow groove or furrow, especially in anatomy, where the surface shows a linear indentation. It is used to describe anatomical structures such as sulci in the brain or bones, or grooves on teeth or bones. The term is primarily used in professional contexts, with precise spatial meaning, and often appears in medical or anatomical descriptions.

Symphysis is a medical term for a cartilaginous joint where two bones meet and are fused by fibrocartilage. It also refers more generally to the growing together of parts, especially in anatomical structures. The word is used chiefly in anatomy and dentistry contexts and can appear in discussions of pelvic joints or midline bone unions. It denotes a uniting, immovable articulation often important in stability.

Synovial is an adjective describing membranes or joints associated with synovial fluid, typically in movable joints. It also pertains to synovium, the soft tissue lining the joint capsule. The term is used in anatomy and medicine to specify structures related to the synovial membrane or its cavities. The pronunciation emphasizes three syllables with stress on the second: /sɪˈnoʊviəl/ in US English.

Talus is a technical anatomical term referring to the ankle bone that forms the joint between the leg and the foot; in humans, it is the large, central bone of the ankle, articulating with the tibia, fibula, and calcaneus. It is also used in geology to describe a donkey-tail-shaped talus slope of rock debris at the base of a cliff. The word originates from Latin and is used primarily in medical contexts, biomechanics, and anatomy.

Temporal as an adjective mainly refers to time or the timing of events, and in anatomy to the temples on the head. In academic contexts it contrasts with spatial, describing duration, sequence, or timing in processes. It can also denote relation to the temple region in anatomy or to the everyday experience of time. Common phrases include temporal data, temporal sequence, and temporal lobe in neuroscience.

Temporomandibular is an adjective describing the jaw joint region or related structures, especially the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It’s often used in medical or dental contexts to discuss disorders, anatomy, or procedures involving the jaw. The term is lengthy and typically appears in professional writing or clinical discussions rather than casual speech.

Tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone, transmitting force to enable movement. It is strong yet flexible, capable of withstanding tension as muscles contract. Tendons play a crucial role in locomotion and stability, and can become inflamed or injured with overuse or sudden strain.

Thoracolumbar is an anatomical adjective describing the region spanning the thoracic (upper/mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) spine. It characterizes structures, injuries, or procedures that involve both the thoracic and lumbar areas. The term is commonly used in medical contexts such as imaging, orthopedic planning, and surgical approaches.

Thorax is the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen that houses the chest organs, including the heart and lungs. In anatomy, it refers specifically to the thoracic cavity and the bony rib cage. The term is used in medical and scientific contexts and is pronounced with a short, crisp initial consonant cluster followed by a light vowel and a clipped final sound.

Tibia is a long, shinbone in the human leg or in various animals, serving as the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It forms the inner part of the leg between knee and ankle and plays a key role in movement and load transfer. The term also appears in anatomy, dentistry, and zoology contexts, referring specifically to this bone or a bone-like structure in other species.

Trachea is the cartilaginous tube that transports air from the larynx to the bronchi in the lungs. It is commonly called the windpipe. The term refers to a single airway conduit within the respiratory system and is used routinely in medical and anatomical contexts.

Trapezium is a four-sided geometric figure with at least one pair of parallel sides, commonly used in mathematics and geometry. In anatomy, the trapezium is a small bone in the wrist. The term comes from the Greek trapezeum, reflecting its trapezoid-like shape. The word is used in technical contexts and appears in both education and medical texts.

Trapezoid is a four-sided polygon with at least one pair of parallel sides, typically with the bases longer than the legs. In geometry contexts it is commonly used to describe shapes and, less formally, to describe objects with a trapezoidal cross-section. The term originates from Greek roots and is standard in math vocabulary across education levels.

Triquetrum is a small, boat-shaped bone in the carpal complex of the wrist. It functions as part of the articulation between the wrist bones and the forearm, contributing to the carpal joints’ stability and motion. The term is used mainly in anatomy and medical contexts and is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, reflecting its Latin roots.

Trochanter is a medical term for a bony prominence on a bone (notably the femur) where muscles attach. It refers to either of two parts: the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter. Used chiefly in anatomical discussion and clinical context to specify attachment sites and muscular relationships.

Trochanteric is an adjective relating to the trochanter, the bony protrusion near the hip, or to a trochanteric fracture. It is used in medical contexts to describe positioning, aspects, or injuries involving the greater or lesser trochanter. The term appears in anatomical descriptions and radiology reports, often specifying location or type of fracture or anatomy in relation to the hip joint.

Ulna is a long, slender bone on the medial side of the forearm, parallel to the radius. It forms the elbow joint with the humerus and the wrist joint with the carpal bones. The term is used in anatomy and clinical contexts to specify this specific forearm bone.

Umbilical is an adjective describing anything relating to or resembling the navel or umbilical cord, especially as it pertains to birth or the anatomical region around the belly. It also appears in metaphorical contexts to denote centrality or essential connection. The term is common in medical or anatomical writing and in discussions of embryology and physiology.

Umbilicus is a noun referring to the navel or belly button, especially in anatomical or medical contexts. It denotes the scar on the abdomen marking the former umbilical cord site. In anatomical discussions, it can describe the central point around which abdominal structures revolve. It’s used in clinical descriptions and anatomical diagrams with precise placement on the abdomen.

Ureter is a muscular duct that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder through peristaltic contractions. It is pronounced with three syllables and a tertiary stress pattern typical of medical terms, and it appears in clinical anatomy and urology contexts. It is a neutral term used in formal medical writing and patient education alike.

Urethra is the duct that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body; in males it also conveys semen. It is a anatomical term used in medical, clinical, and educational contexts. The word emphasizes the channel through which liquid exits the body, and it is pronounced with attention to the sequence of syllables and precise vowel quality.

Uterus is a hollow muscular organ in female mammals where a fetus develops during pregnancy. It is typically part of the reproductive system and sits in the pelvis, with a broad upper segment (fundus) and a narrow cervix leading to the vagina. The term refers to the uterus as a biological structure, not to a concept or metaphor.

Vagus is a plural noun used in anatomy to refer to the tenth cranial nerve. It also denotes a branch of the vagus nerve system, influencing parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. In broader contexts, it can describe anything relating to wandering or the wandering nerve in older texts.