Physiotherapy

Metatarsal refers to any of the five long bones in the midfoot that connect the ankle to the toes. The term is used in anatomy and medicine to describe these bones and their injuries or articulations. In practice, it names the region rather than a single bone, emphasizing the metatarsal group as a unit in foot structure and biomechanics.

Minor is an adjective describing something of lesser importance or size. It also refers to a secondary role or degree in law, music, or education. The term often contrasts with major to indicate lesser significance, priority, or extent, and it can function in contexts ranging from everyday conversation to formal classifications.

Mobilization is the process of assembling, organizing, and readying people or resources for action, especially for military or social efforts. It involves coordinating movement, logistics, and support to achieve a purpose. The term often implies rapid, collective readiness and mobilizing energy, facilities, or troops to respond to a demand or threat.

Myasthenia is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by variable weakness of voluntary muscles, especially those controlling eye movement, facial expression, and swallowing. It stems from fluctuating muscle fatigue due to impaired communication between nerves and muscles. The term is used in medical contexts and diagnoses, often in clinical discussions and research.

Myofascial is an adjective used to describe tissues related to muscle (myo) and fascia. It is often used in medicine and therapy to refer to structures, conditions, or treatments involving the muscular-fascial system. Say, for example, myofascial release techniques target fascia to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility.

Myopathy is a medical term for diseases that weaken or damage the muscles. It denotes a primary muscular disorder rather than nerve or nerve-to-muscle transmission problems. The word is used in clinical contexts and research to describe inherited or acquired muscle pathology and impaired muscle function.

Navicular is a noun referring to a small boat-shaped bone in the wrist (navicular bone) or, in anatomy, a well-defined bone in the foot. The term is used mainly in medical and anatomical contexts and can also describe anything boat-shaped. It is a technical word often encountered in clinical descriptions and anatomical discussions.

Neuralgia is a sharp, intense pain along a nerve’s distribution, often caused by irritation or damage to the nerve. It typically presents as episodic jabs, stabs, or electric shock-like sensations that may be triggered by touch or movement. The term combines roots referring to nerves and pain, and it is used in medical and clinical contexts.

Neuromuscular describes anything relating to the relationship between nerves and muscles, particularly how nerve signals control muscle movement. It is commonly used in medical, physiological, and biomechanical contexts to discuss both the nervous system’s influence on muscles and disorders affecting this interaction. The term combines neurology and muscular function to specify the neural control of musculature.

Neuropathy is a medical term referring to nerve damage or dysfunction, especially affecting sensation or movement. It is commonly used in neurology and medicine to describe conditions where peripheral nerves are impaired, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness. The word combines Greek roots for nerve and disease and is used in professional and clinical contexts.

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, enabling learning, adaptation, and recovery after injury. It involves structural and functional changes at synapses and circuits in response to experiences, practice, and environmental demands. This dynamic capability underpins skill acquisition, memory consolidation, and rehabilitation.

Olecranon is the bony prominence of the elbow formed by the proximal end of the ulna. In anatomy, it serves as the insertion point for the triceps brachii and is easily felt at the point of the elbow. The term is used mainly in medical and anatomical contexts. It is pronounced with three syllables: o-le-CRA-non.

Orthopedic is an adjective referring to the branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities or functional impairments of the skeletal system, joints, and related structures. In clinical use, it describes procedures, devices, or specialties focused on bones and musculoskeletal health. The term is often used in contexts like orthopedic surgery or orthopedics, and appears in medical literature, clinics, and training settings.

Osseous is an adjective meaning relating to or consisting of bone. It is used in scientific and medical contexts to describe bone tissue, structures, or properties. The term often appears in anatomy, pathology, and comparative biology, indicating bone-like characteristics or a bony composition.

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown and joint inflammation, leading to pain and reduced mobility. It typically affects knees, hips, hands, and spine, especially with aging. The term combines medical roots for bone and joint wear, and is used across clinical and everyday contexts by patients and professionals alike.

Osteochondritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the bone and cartilage, typically at joints, which can lead to pain and restricted movement. It encompasses degenerative changes driven by disrupted blood supply or repetitive stress. The term is used mainly in clinical contexts to describe localized osteochondral lesions.

Osteophytes are bony projections that form along joint margins, typically as a response to degeneration or arthritis. They can impinge on nerves or soft tissues and are most common in the spine and larger joints. In medical contexts, the term refers to these small outgrowths visible on imaging and may require evaluation if symptomatic.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by reduced bone density and strength, increasing fracture risk, especially in older adults. It results from an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, often progressing silently until a fracture occurs. The term combines Greek roots for bone and porous, conveying the idea of porous bones.

Palpation is the clinical act of examining a body part by touch to assess its size, texture, and consistency. It is used by healthcare professionals to gather information that complements inspection and auscultation. The term implies deliberate tactile exploration, often with systematic pressure and palpatory technique, to identify abnormalities or guide further assessment.