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Related Concept Videos

Ankle Joint01:10

Ankle Joint

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The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
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Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula01:10

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The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
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Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella01:16

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

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The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the...
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Articulations of the Vertebral Column01:28

Articulations of the Vertebral Column

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In addition to being held together by the intervertebral discs, adjacent vertebrae also articulate with each other at synovial joints formed between the superior and inferior articular processes called zygapophysial joints (facet joints). These are plane joints that provide for only limited motions between the vertebrae. The orientation of the articular processes at these joints varies in different regions of the vertebral column and serves to determine the types of motions available in each...
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Knee Joint01:23

Knee Joint

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The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
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Functional Classification of Joints01:09

Functional Classification of Joints

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Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses  or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
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Autologous Microfractured and Purified Adipose Tissue for Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
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Atlas and Talus.

David J Jackowe1, Michael G Biener1

  • 1School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York, USA.

Journal of Anatomy
|December 16, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The terms atlas and talus in human anatomy have shifted meaning. Originally denoting the seventh cervical vertebra and ankle bone respectively, their reclassification implies burdens now rest on the mind, not shoulders.

Keywords:
ankleastragaluseponymsfirst cervical vertebramythonymsseventh cervical vertebra

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Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • History of Medicine
  • Classical Studies

Background:

  • The terms 'atlas' and 'talus' have complex etymological roots in human anatomy.
  • Historically, the atlas vertebra referred to the seventh cervical vertebra, while the talus is the ankle bone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the historical evolution of the terms 'atlas' and 'talus' in anatomical contexts.
  • To discuss the philosophical and psychological implications of reclassifying the atlas vertebra.

Main Methods:

  • Historical etymological analysis of anatomical terms.
  • Review of Renaissance anatomical texts and diagrams.
  • Exploration of connections to Greek mythology.

Main Results:

  • The designation 'atlas' for the first cervical vertebra emerged during the Renaissance, shifting from its earlier use for the seventh cervical vertebra.
  • This terminological shift suggests a conceptual move from physical burdens (shoulders) to intellectual burdens (head/mind).
  • The term 'talus' (ankle bone) shares etymological links with 'astragalus' and Greek mythology.

Conclusions:

  • The re-appropriation of the term 'atlas' in anatomy signifies a profound conceptual shift in understanding human burdens.
  • Renaissance anatomical representations may reflect this transition from physical to mental or intellectual burdens.