LUMBRICALS Meaning and
Definition
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Lumbricals refer to a group of four small muscles located in the human hand and feet. These muscles are named for their elongated shape, which resemble the shape of earthworms (lumbricus in Latin). In the hand, the lumbricals are found originating from the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle, while in the foot, they arise from the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus muscle.
The lumbricals are responsible for several crucial actions. In the hand, they play a significant role in flexing the metacarpophalangeal joints while simultaneously extending the interphalangeal joints. This action brings about flexion or bending of the fingers, such as when making a fist or grasping objects. Additionally, the lumbricals contribute to the abduction of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, allowing them to spread apart.
In the foot, the lumbricals act to flex the metatarsophalangeal joints while extending the interphalangeal joints. This movement assists in the push-off phase of walking and running, aiding in propulsion and stability during gait.
Overall, the lumbricals serve a crucial role in hand and foot function, enabling precise finger movements and ensuring proper weight distribution and balance during ambulation.
Common Misspellings for LUMBRICALS
- kumbricals
- pumbricals
- oumbricals
- lymbricals
- lhmbricals
- ljmbricals
- limbricals
- l8mbricals
- l7mbricals
- lunbricals
- lukbricals
- lujbricals
- lumvricals
- lumnricals
- lumhricals
- lumgricals
- lumbeicals
- lumbdicals
- lumbficals
- lumbticals
Etymology of LUMBRICALS
The word "lumbricals" is derived from the Latin term "lumbricus", which means "worm". This Latin term refers to the resemblance of the lumbrical muscles to the shape of earthworms. The suffix "-al" is added to indicate that these muscles are pertaining to or associated with the worms. Hence, "lumbricals" signifies the worm-like muscles found in certain parts of the body, particularly in the hands and feet.
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