BodyWiki · A–Z index
Entries starting with A
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A2 pulley ruptureAn A2 pulley rupture is a common climbing-related finger injury involving damage to the A2 pulley, one of the ring-shaped bands that hold the finger flexorAbdominal oblique muscle strainAn abdominal oblique muscle strain is an injury in which the oblique muscles along the side of the abdomen tear during forceful trunk rotation.Abdominal wallThe abdominal wall is made up of layers of skin, fat, fascia, and muscle surrounding the abdomen.AbductionAbduction means moving an arm or leg away from the body's midline. Raising your arm out to the side or spreading your legs apart are typical examples.Abductor pollicis longusThe abductor pollicis longus runs from the back and outer side of the forearm to the base of the metacarpal on the thumb side and moves the thumb outward, Acceleration and deceleration in walking and runningAcceleration is the moment when speed increases, and deceleration is the moment when speed decreases.AcceptanceAcceptance is an attitude of acknowledging uncomfortable sensations, thoughts, and emotions as they are, rather than fighting to get rid of them, and contiAcceptance and commitment therapyAcceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a psychological approach that helps people acknowledge uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or pain and keep actingAccessory muscles of respirationAccessory muscles of respiration are reserve muscles around the neck, chest, and shoulders that help the diaphragm when you need to breathe more.Accessory navicular syndromeAccessory navicular syndrome is a condition in which a small extra bone present from birth near the arch on the inner side of the foot—the accessory navicuAccessory nerveThe accessory nerve is the eleventh cranial nerve, which drives head turning and shoulder shrugging.Accessory sacroiliac jointThe accessory sacroiliac joint is a small supplementary articular surface at the back of the pelvis, just behind the main sacroiliac joint where the sacrumAcetabulumThe acetabulum is a deep, rounded hollow on the side of the pelvis.Achilles tendinopathyAchilles tendinitis is a condition in which the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, feels sore and painful.Achilles tendonThe Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body.Achilles tendon loading in kendoIf you feel soreness above your left heel during kendo, the sport’s distinctive footwork may be the reason.Achilles tendon ruptureAn Achilles tendon rupture is an injury in which the Achilles tendon above the heel tears partially or completely during movements that place a large forceAching painAching pain is a deep, lingering pain felt throughout an area—a dull pain whose exact location is hard to pinpoint.Acromioclavicular jointThe acromioclavicular joint is a small joint where the outer end of the clavicle meets the acromion of the scapula.Acromioclavicular joint separationAcromioclavicular joint separation is an injury to the ligaments of the small joint connecting the clavicle and acromion at the tip of the shoulder, makingAcromioclavicular ligamentThe acromioclavicular ligament directly connects the acromion to the outer end of the clavicle, forming a thickened reinforcement of the upper part of the AcromionThe acromion is the firm, flat bony edge you can feel at the very top of your shoulder.Actin and myosinActin and myosin are two proteins that engage with each other and pull when muscles contract. The thin strands are actin, and the thick strands are myosin.Activator Methods Chiropractic TechniqueThe Activator technique is a chiropractic technique that uses a small spring-loaded instrument to deliver brief, light impulses instead of quickly thrustinActive breaks from sittingActive breaks are a habit of interrupting prolonged sitting by standing up or moving briefly at intervals.Active recoveryActive recovery is a way to recover after high-intensity exercise by moving at a low intensity, such as gentle walking, easy cycling, or gentle stretching,Active Release TechniquesActive Release Techniques (ART) is a manual technique in which the practitioner applies steady pressure to a muscle or tendon while the person receiving trActive straight leg raise testThe active straight leg raise test involves lifting a leg yourself while lying down with the knee straight, and assessing how difficult the movement feels.Active stretchingActive stretching is a way to stretch a target area yourself, without equipment or help from another person, by contracting the muscles on the opposite sidActivity pacingActivity pacing is a way to organize your day when you have pain or fatigue by dividing activities into consistent amounts and taking breaks along the way.Activity trackerActivity trackers are wristbands, smartwatches, and apps that automatically record how much you walk and move each day.AcupressureAcupressure is an East Asian hands-on technique that uses the fingers, thumbs, and palms to press specific points on the body and release tension, without Acupressure matAn acupressure mat is a home self-care tool covered with densely packed small plastic spikes.Acupressure stickAn acupressure stick is a tool that uses the end of a rod to apply precise pressure to a chosen spot.Acupressure toolsAn acupressure stick is a tool with a rounded end or knob used to apply steady pressure to a chosen point instead of using your hands.AcupunctureAcupuncture is a prominent traditional East Asian procedure that involves inserting very fine metal needles into acupuncture points or tight areas of the bAcupuncture meridiansIn Korean medicine, meridians are understood as pathways through which qi and blood circulate throughout the body.Acupuncture pointsIn traditional Korean medicine, acupuncture points are stimulation sites along the meridians, the pathways through which qi and blood flow.Acute and chronic painAcute pain and chronic pain are categories based on how long pain lasts.Acute and residual training effectsExercise effects can be grouped by how long they remain in the body.Acute muscle sorenessAcute muscle soreness is a burning, heavy ache in your muscles during or immediately after exercise.Acute muscle stiffnessAcute muscle stiffness is an everyday term for sudden stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, back, or flank that makes it difficult to move in certain Acute torticollisAcute torticollis is a condition in which you wake up with your neck tilted to one side, have difficulty turning it the other way, and experience pain.Acute-to-chronic workload ratioACWR is the training load from the most recent 1 week (acute load) divided by the average weekly training load over the most recent 4 weeks (chronic load).Adams forward bend testThe Adams forward bend test is a scoliosis screening test that checks whether the upper and lower back are symmetrical when you bend forward from a standinAdductionAdduction is the movement of bringing an arm or leg that is away from the body's midline back toward the body.Adductor brevisThe adductor brevis is an adductor muscle deep in the inner thigh that forms a short connection between the pubis and the femur.Adductor longusThe adductor longus is a fan-shaped muscle that extends from the groin to the inner thigh.Adductor magnusThe adductor magnus is the largest and thickest muscle on the inner thigh, with a combination of functions: bringing the leg inward and extending the hip.Adductor strainAn adductor strain is a stretching or tearing injury to the muscles on the inner thigh that bring the legs together, particularly where the adductor longusAdenosine triphosphateATP is the molecule that every cell in the body uses to transfer energy.AdhesionsAdhesions occur when tissues or organs that should normally glide past one another become joined by scar-like fibrous tissue and stick together.Adhesive capsulitisAdhesive capsulitis is a condition in which the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thick and stiff, making it difficult to raise and rotaAdipose tissueAdipose tissue is living tissue that stores energy, maintains body temperature, and cushions the organs and the area beneath the skin.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosisAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a condition in which the spine curves sideways and rotates slightly during growth after age 10, without a single cAdrenal glandThe adrenal glands are small endocrine glands, one sitting above each kidney, that produce the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.Advanced Strain and CounterstrainAdvanced Strain and Counterstrain expands Strain-counterstrain using the approach of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT).Adverse eventAdverse event is a research and safety term that broadly refers to an unwanted health event occurring after an intervention, such as a medication or procedAerobic exerciseAerobic exercise is sustained exercise at an intensity that leaves you slightly out of breath.Age-related gait changesAge-related gait changes involve steps becoming shorter and slower with age, often described as a "short, shuffling gait."Age-related height lossGradually losing a little height as you get older is a natural part of aging.Age-related hyperkyphosisAge-related hyperkyphosis is a gradual increase in the curvature of the upper back (thoracic spine) with age, commonly described as a “stooped back” or “roAge-related musculoskeletal changesMuscles, bones, and joints do not change suddenly one day; they begin changing gradually in your 20s.AgilityAgility is the ability to change direction quickly without losing speed, balance, or trunk control.AgingAging is a natural process in which the structure and function of various parts of the body gradually change over time.Agonist and antagonist musclesWhen you move, no muscle works alone: agonists, antagonists, synergists, and stabilizers share the work.Agonist muscleAn agonist muscle produces the greatest force in the intended direction during a movement.Alar ligamentsThe alar ligaments are short, strong ligaments that anchor the dens of the second cervical vertebra to the underside of the skull on both sides.Alexander TechniqueThe Alexander Technique is a way of learning to notice and let go of unnecessary tension that creeps into everyday actions such as standing, sitting, walkiAlf BreigAlf Breig was a German-born neurosurgeon who worked in Sweden and used anatomical specimens to study how the spinal cord and nerves are stretched as the boAlfred PischingerAlfred Pischinger was an Austrian histologist who viewed the ground substance filling the spaces between cells—the extracellular matrix—as a setting for thAlfredson protocolThe Alfredson protocol is an Achilles tendon rehabilitation exercise program that involves standing on the edge of a step and slowly lowering the heel, twiAllen testThe Allen test is a simple test that uses the color of the hand to assess how well one of the two arteries at the wrist supplies blood to the hand when theAllis testThe Allis test is a pediatric examination that compares the heights of a baby's knees while the baby lies on their back with their knees bent, looking for AllodyniaAllodynia is a condition in which stimuli that do not normally hurt—such as clothing brushing against you, a light touch, or lukewarm water—feel painful.AllostasisAllostasis is the process by which the body maintains stability by adjusting the set points for heart rate, blood pressure, and hormones to suit the situatAlpha and gamma motor neuronsAlpha motor neurons are the nerves that actually make muscles contract, while gamma motor neurons regulate the sensitivity of muscle spindles, the sensory Alternative medicineAlternative medicine is not the name of a single treatment, but an umbrella term for various approaches to health care that developed outside standard hospAltitude trainingAltitude training is a method of helping the body adapt by living or exercising at high elevations where oxygen is scarce, or in environments with a reduceAmino acidsAmino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins, and our bodies use 20 amino acids to make proteins.Anabolic resistanceAnabolic resistance refers to a state in which muscles are less able to synthesize new protein than they used to, even after eating protein or doing strengAnaerobic exerciseAnaerobic exercise involves producing a lot of force over a short period, as in sprinting or lifting heavy weights.Anatomical and movement terminology for muscles and jointsThe names of bones, joints, muscles, and tendons are a shared language for communicating precisely about body positions and movements.Anatomical positionAnatomical position is the agreed standard posture used as a reference when describing the body's locations and directions.Anatomical variationAnatomical variation refers to muscles, nerves, blood vessels, or bones whose shape or course differs slightly from textbook illustrations.Anatomy TrainsAnatomy Trains is a way of viewing muscles not as separate units, but as long chains connected by fascia, like railway routes.Andrew Taylor StillAndrew Taylor Still was an American physician who founded Osteopathy in 1874.AnesthesiaAnesthesia is a state in which sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature cannot be felt at all in a particular part of the body.AngiogenesisAngiogenesis is the process in which new branches sprout from existing blood vessels, expanding the capillary network.AnkleThe ankle is the joint where the two bones of the lower leg meet the talus in the foot.Ankle and hip strategiesWhen your body sways while standing, it regains balance in an instant.Ankle braceAn ankle brace is a wearable support that limits how far the ankle rolls inward or outward.Ankle injury patterns in hikingAnkle sprains are among the most common hiking injuries.Ankle joint soundsAnkle joint sounds are the pops, clicks, and cracks you hear when you rotate your ankle or pull your toes toward you.Ankle mobilityAnkle mobility is the range through which the ankle can move, particularly dorsiflexion, the movement of lifting the toes toward the shin.Ankle pump exercisesAnkle pump exercises are simple movements that involve repeatedly moving your toes up and down while sitting or lying down.Ankle pump mechanismThe ankle pump refers to the body's mechanism of using ankle flexion and extension to alternately contract the calf muscles, pushing pooled venous blood anAnkle sprainAn ankle sprain is an injury in which the ligaments that stabilize the joint are stretched or partially or completely torn when the ankle twists.Ankle stiffnessAnkle stiffness means that the ankle does not bend easily and feels tight.Ankle swellingAnkle swelling is puffiness around the ankle bones that increases the circumference of the ankle.Ankle-foot orthosisAn ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a brace that wraps around the lower leg, ankle, and foot together to control ankle movement and foot position during walkinAnkylosing spondylitisAnkylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the spine, the sacroiliac joints, and the sites where tendons and ligamAnmaAnma is a traditional East Asian hands-on therapy that eases tension in the body through pressing and rubbing with the hands.Annular ligament of the radiusThe annular ligament wraps around the head of the radius like a ring at the elbow, holding it in place.Annulus fibrosusThe annulus fibrosus is a tough, fibrous ring surrounding the outside of the intervertebral disc between the vertebrae.Antagonist musclesAn antagonist muscle acts in opposition to the muscle primarily responsible for a movement (the agonist).Antalgic gaitAntalgic gait is a walking pattern that develops when one leg hurts, to reduce the time spent bearing weight on the painful foot.Anterior compartment syndromeAnterior compartment syndrome is a condition in which pressure rises within the muscle compartment at the front of the shin, placing strain on the muscles,Anterior cruciate ligamentThe anterior cruciate ligament is a ligament in the center of the knee joint that keeps the shinbone from sliding forward and provides support when the kneAnterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular jointAnterior disc displacement is a condition in which the articular disc, the cushion inside the jaw joint, sits farther forward than its normal position.Anterior drawer test of the kneeThe anterior drawer test of the knee is a hands-on examination that assesses the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by checking how far the shinbone moves foAnterior horn of the spinal cordThe anterior horn of the spinal cord is the front portion of the gray matter inside the spinal cord, where the motor neurons that make muscles move are groAnterior inferior tibiofibular ligamentThe anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament connects the lower front portions of the tibia and fibula, holding the two bones together so they do not spreadAnterior interosseous nerveThe anterior interosseous nerve is a motor nerve that branches from the Median nerve, travels deep into the forearm, and activates the muscles that bend thAnterior interosseous nerve syndromeAnterior interosseous nerve syndrome is a condition in which the anterior interosseous nerve in the forearm does not work properly, making it difficult to Anterior longitudinal ligamentThe anterior longitudinal ligament is a broad, strong band of ligament that runs vertically along the front surfaces of the vertebral bodies and interverteAnterior pelvic tiltAnterior pelvic tilt is a posture in which the pelvis tilts forward, making the inward curve of the lower back look more pronounced and the buttocks appearAnterior sacroiliac ligamentThe anterior sacroiliac ligament covers and connects the front of the sacroiliac joint, where the sacrum meets the ilium.Anterior superior iliac spineThe anterior superior iliac spine is a bony projection at the front of the pelvis that you can feel with your fingertips just below the side of your waistbAnterior talofibular ligamentThe anterior talofibular ligament connects the front of the outer ankle bone to the talus.Anterior tarsal tunnel syndromeAnterior tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the deep fibular nerve is compressed in a narrow passage at the front of the top of the foot, just Anterior tibiotalar ligamentThe anterior tibiotalar ligament is a bundle of fibers forming the front portion of the deep layer of the deltoid ligament, which connects the medial malleAnthropometryAnthropometry is the study of human body dimensions, such as height, sitting height, arm length, leg length, and shoulder breadth, and their statistical diAnti-fatigue matAn anti-fatigue mat is a soft, resilient mat placed on the floor where people work standing up for long periods.Anti-inflammatory dietAn anti-inflammatory diet centers on foods that are easy on the body, such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, and fish, while reducing procesAnticipatory postural adjustmentsAnticipatory postural adjustments are the nervous system’s predictive control mechanism: the trunk’s stabilizing muscles activate just before the arms or lAntinutrientsAntinutrients is a collective term for compounds in plants such as grains, beans, and vegetables that affect the digestion and absorption of other nutrientApley compression testThe Apley compression test checks for pain or catching within the knee joint by bending the knee to a right angle while you lie face down, then pressing thAponeurosisAn aponeurosis is a tendon that spreads out like a broad sheet rather than forming a cord.Appetite and satietyAppetite and satiety form a regulatory system through which the body and brain jointly determine how much we eat.Applied kinesiologyApplied kinesiology (AK) is a chiropractic-based system of diagnosis and care that interprets the body's condition by examining how well the muscles in an Apprehension testThe apprehension test slowly moves a joint in a direction that makes it feel as though it might “slip out,” looking for apprehension and protective bracingApraxiaApraxia is a condition in which someone cannot carry out an intended movement even though their limbs function normally and they know what movement they waAquatic exercise therapyAquatic exercise therapy involves walking and moving in warm water.Arachidonic acidArachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid stored in cell membranes that is converted into signaling substances such as prostaglandins when injury or inflamArachnoid materThe arachnoid mater is the middle of the three membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.Archery injuriesFalls and collisions rarely cause injuries in archery. Instead, aching and fatigue from holding the same position for a long time are more common.ArcingArcing is a hands-on exploration method for finding the "center" of tension somewhere in the body.Arm tightnessArm tightness is a feeling of tautness, pulling, and aching throughout the arm.Aromatherapy massageAromatherapy massage is a relaxation massage that uses gentle touch to relax the whole body while applying plant-derived essential oils diluted in a vegetaArteries, veins and capillariesArteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, while veins bring that blood back to the heart.Arteriovenous oxygen differenceArteriovenous oxygen difference is the difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood.Arthrogenic muscle inhibitionArthrogenic muscle inhibition is a phenomenon in which the muscles that move a joint do not activate as intended after the joint becomes swollen, painful, ArthrokinematicsArthrokinematics is the study of the small movements that occur between the articular surfaces of two bones as a joint moves: rolling, gliding, and spinninArticular balanceArticular balance means that the surfaces of the two bones forming a joint maintain an appropriate positional relationship, from rest through the full exteArticular cartilageArticular cartilage is the smooth layer of cartilage covering the ends of the bones that form a joint, commonly called “soft bone” in Korean.Articular discThe articular disc is fibrocartilaginous tissue that sits between the rounded end of the lower jawbone and the concave surface of the skull within the tempArticular fascial releaseArticular fascial release is an Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) technique that uses very light pressure to release the fascial tissues surrounding a jointArticular fossaAn articular fossa is a concave joint surface into which the head of a joint fits.AsanaAsana refers to all the postures made with the body in yoga.Asclepiades of BithyniaAsclepiades was a Greek physician active in Rome in the 1st century BCE, known for caring for patients through diet, exercise, bathing, and massage rather Ashi pointAn Ashi point is an acupuncture point in traditional Korean medicine with no fixed location: the spot that prompts an “Ah, right there!”Aston-PatterningAston-Patterning is a form of bodywork and movement education that recognizes differences in each person's body shape and movement habits and helps them fiAsymmetric loadingAsymmetric loading occurs when an external weight is carried on one side of the body, such as carrying a bag on just one shoulder, holding a shopping bag iAsymmetric standing postureAsymmetric standing posture means putting your weight on one leg while letting the other leg rest.AsymmetryAsymmetry means that the left and right sides of the body are not exactly the same.Asymptomatic imaging findingsAsymptomatic imaging findings means that findings such as disc degeneration, rotator cuff changes, and cartilage defects are common even on MRI or CT scansAthletic pubalgiaSports hernia refers to chronic groin pain that mainly affects people who participate in sports.Atlanto-occipital jointThe atlanto-occipital joint lies between the occipital bone at the base of the skull and the atlas, the first cervical vertebra.Atlantoaxial jointThe atlantoaxial joint lies between the first cervical vertebra (atlas) and the second cervical vertebra (axis), allowing you to turn your head from side tAtlasThe atlas is the first cervical vertebra, sitting at the very top of the neck just below the skull and supporting the head.Aural fullnessAural fullness is a feeling that your ear is blocked and sounds are muffled, as though cotton has been placed over it.Auricular acupunctureAuricular acupuncture is an acupuncture-based therapy that stimulates specific points on the outer ear with needles or small seeds to address the body as aAutogenic inhibitionAutogenic inhibition is a safety circuit in which the body reflexively signals a muscle to relax when it is pulled strongly.Autogenic trainingAutogenic training is a self-relaxation practice in which you focus on bodily sensations while silently repeating short phrases such as “My arms are heavy”Autonomic nervous systemThe autonomic nervous system coordinates internal functions that regulate themselves without our having to consciously attend to each one, such as heartbeaAutoregulated trainingAutoregulated training adjusts the load and number of repetitions during the session based on how your body is doing that day, rather than setting loads weAxial spondyloarthritisAxial spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation in the spine and the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis.AxillaThe axilla is the hollow space between the arm and chest.Axillary arteryThe axillary artery is a major artery of the arm that passes through the armpit, supplying blood to the shoulder, chest wall, and upper arm.Axillary nerveThe axillary nerve is a key nerve of the shoulder that activates the deltoid muscle, which you use to move your arm out to the side and lift it.AxisThe axis is the second vertebra in the neck. Its upward-projecting dens serves as a pivot that allows the atlas and head to turn from side to side.AxonAn axon is a slender projection that extends from a nerve cell and carries signals to other cells.AyurvedaAyurveda is a system of traditional medicine that originated in ancient India.