LUMBRICAL Meaning and
Definition
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A lumbrical is a noun that refers to a small muscle in the hand or foot that is shaped like a worm, hence its name originating from the Latin word "lumbricus," meaning worm. Lumbricals can be found in both hands and feet, with four lumbricals situated in each hand and one lumbrical in each foot. These muscles are integral to the movements and function of the digits.
In the hands, the lumbricals originate from the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus, which is a muscle responsible for flexing the fingers. They extend from the tendons and attach to the radial side of each finger. The lumbricals function to flex the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint while simultaneously extending the interphalangeal joints of the fingers. This action enables a person to grip objects effectively and perform intricate manipulations.
In the feet, the lumbrical muscles originate from the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus, which is a muscle responsible for flexing the toes. The lumbricals in the feet similarly extend from the tendons and attach to the medial side of each toe. These muscles help in flexing the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints while extending the interphalangeal joints of the toes during walking, contributing to the stabilization and propulsion of the feet.
Overall, lumbricals play a prominent role in coordinated finger and toe movements, assisting in fine motor control and functional movement of the digits.
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1. Relating to or resembling an earth worm, vermiform, lumbricold 2. Musculus lumbricalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A muscle of the fingers and toes, so named from its resembling a worm.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LUMBRICAL
- kumbrical
- pumbrical
- oumbrical
- lymbrical
- lhmbrical
- ljmbrical
- limbrical
- l8mbrical
- l7mbrical
- lukbrical
- lumvrical
- lumnrical
- lumhrical
- lumgrical
- lumbeical
- lumbdical
- lumbfical
- lumbtical
- lumb5ical
Etymology of LUMBRICAL
The word "lumbrical" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "lumbricus", which means "earthworm". The term was coined in the mid-19th century to describe a group of muscles in the hand that are long and slender, resembling the shape of an earthworm. Lumbricals are four small muscles located in the palm of the hand, responsible for flexing the metacarpophalangeal joints (the joints connecting the palm to the fingers) while extending the interphalangeal joints (the joints between the finger segments).
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