Medical Terminology · Musculoskeletal System · Medium
Axial
Meaning: Relating to the central line of the body, including the head, spine and trunk rather than the limbs.
In practice: Ankylosing spondylitis mainly affects the axial skeleton, causing stiffness of the spine and pelvis.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: Tying off a blood vessel or duct with thread to close it.
Answer: Ligation
Which word means: Forward movement of a body part, such as the shoulder blades or jaw, along a horizontal plane.
Answer: Protraction
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