Chiropractic

Peroneus is a technical anatomical noun referring to muscles located on the lateral compartment of the leg, especially the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis. In medical contexts, it designates these muscles or their tendinous structures. The term is used in anatomy, physiology, and clinical discussion to describe location, function, and innervation. It is frequently encountered in education, physical therapy, and sports medicine.

Phalanges are the bones that form the fingers and toes, counted individually as distal phalanges (tips) and proximal/middle phalanges along the bones of each digit. The term, used mainly in anatomy, refers to these skeletal segments that enable bending and grasping. In biology, the plural form emphasizes all phalangeal bones across the limbs. (2–4 sentences, ~60 words)

Phalanx is a dense, tightly organized body of troops or cells, often fighting as a cohesive unit. In modern use, it also describes a closely aligned group or any compact, protective formation. The term conveys precision, unity, and formidable collective strength, whether in military history or metaphorical contexts.

Posterior is an adjective meaning situated behind or at the back part of something. In medical or anatomical contexts it refers to the rear surface or posterior aspect, as opposed to anterior. It can also describe relative position in comparisons (e.g., posterior to the knee). The term carries formal, technical connotations and is common in scientific or clinical prose.

Psoas is a deep-seated, paired hip flexor muscle essential for lifting the thigh and stabilizing the spine. As a medical term used in anatomy, it often appears in clinical and fitness contexts. The word denotes the major muscle group running from the lumbar spine to the femur, with both psoas major and psoas minor variants commonly referenced in anatomy. (2-4 sentences, 50-80 words)

Pubis is one of the paired pubic bones forming the anterior part of the pelvis. In anatomy contexts it refers specifically to the horizontal front portion of the hip bones (pubic body) and the nearby structures. The term is used in medical descriptions and discussions of pelvic structure and alignment.

Pulposus is a noun referring to the inner, gelatinous core of intervertebral discs, composed mainly of water and mucopolysaccharides. It is the central, semifluid region that provides cushioning between vertebrae. In anatomy, it contrasts with the surrounding fibrous annulus fibrosus and plays a key role in spinal flexibility and load distribution.

Radiculopathy is a medical condition caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness along the path of the affected nerve. It typically affects the arms or legs and can result from herniated discs, degenerative changes, or spinal stenosis. The term emphasizes a nerve-root origin rather than a peripheral nerve disorder.

Radius is a noun meaning a line segment from the center of a circle or sphere to any point on its circumference, or the corresponding distance. It also appears in anatomy as a forearm bone. The term encompasses geometric, mathematical, and anatomical senses, and is used in contexts ranging from geometry proofs to medical descriptions.

Sacroiliac refers to the joint between the sacrum and ilium in the pelvis, or to the region containing that joint. It is typically described as an anatomical term used in medical contexts. The word denotes relating to the sacroiliac area and muscles or ligaments associated with it, and appears in clinical discussions of pelvic stability and lower back pain.

Sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. It articulates with the ilium at the sacroiliac joints and supports the pelvic girdle. In anatomy discussions, sacrum is a precise, technical term used to reference this specific bone in the vertebral column.

Scapula is the flat, roughly triangular bone forming the back part of the shoulder girdle, connecting the upper arm bone to the rib cage via muscles. It serves as the anchor for shoulder motion and muscle attachments. The term specifically denotes the shoulder blade used in anatomy and medical contexts.

Scapulae is the plural of scapula, the shoulder blade bones. In anatomy, it refers to the two shoulder blades, each a flat, triangular bone forming part of the shoulder girdle. The term is used in medical and educational contexts and is pronounced with two syllables, emphasis on the first: SCAP-u-lae.

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often forming an S- or C-shaped curve. It can affect posture, appearance, and sometimes breathing and back pain, depending on severity. The term is used in medical, educational, and patient contexts to describe this spinal deformity.

Soleus is a muscle located deep in the calf, primarily involved in plantarflexion of the ankle and stabilizing the leg during standing and walking. As a deep posterior compartment muscle, it works continuously to support posture, especially when the knee is extended. It is often studied alongside the gastrocnemius in anatomy and biomechanics contexts.

Sphenoid is a rarely used anatomical term that describes a complex, wedge-shaped bone in the skull or, by extension, a word used as a descriptive anatomical adjective. In context, it often appears in medical or dental discussions, especially regarding the sphenoid bone’s position, features, and relations to surrounding structures. The term implies a wedge-like geometry and is typically reserved for formal or professional discourse.

Spinae is the plural of spina, typically used in anatomy to refer to bony or spiny projections such as the posterior spinal elements. In practice, it denotes multiple spines or spinous processes and is used mainly in clinical or anatomical texts. The term is Latin in origin and appears in medical descriptions and anatomy naming conventions.

Spondylolisthesis is a medical term describing a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. It typically results from stress or degeneration of the pars interarticularis and can cause lower back pain and nerve compression. The word is used in clinical contexts and radiology reports, often with specifics about the level of slippage.

Spondylolysis is a medical term for a stress fracture in one of the pars interarticularis bones of the vertebra, most often in the lumbar spine. It’s used in orthopedics and radiology to describe a specific pars fracture pattern that can cause low back pain, especially in young athletes. The term combines Greek roots referring to the vertebra and a breaking or splitting (lysis).

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the spine, typically involving intervertebral disc wear and bone spur formation. It commonly presents as chronic neck or back pain and reduced mobility due to arthritis-like changes in the spinal joints. The term covers various degenerative spinal diseases, including osteophyte development and facet joint osteoarthritis, that accumulate with age.

A long anatomical noun referring to a major neck muscle that runs from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear. It flexes and rotates the head and is commonly discussed in medical, anatomy, and fitness contexts. Its pronunciation is challenging due to its multiple syllables and precise consonant clustering.

Subluxation is a medical term for a partial dislocation of a joint, where the bones are misaligned but not completely separated. It implies incomplete displacement with potential joint instability and pain. The word is used across clinical contexts, including orthopedics and physical therapy, to describe a partial, abnormal joint position that may require assessment or intervention.

Subscapularis is a medical noun referring to one of the rotator cuff muscles located on the anterior surface of the scapula. It functions primarily to medially rotate the arm at the shoulder joint. In anatomy contexts, it’s often discussed alongside the other subscapular muscles and their tendinous insertions.