The word "iliocostal," which means relating to the iliac and costal parts of the body, can be tricky to spell due to its combination of unfamiliar letter combinations. Its pronunciation is /ɪliəʊˈkɒstəl/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The word starts with "il," which is followed by the "io" vowel combination. Then, the "cost" part of the word is spelled with "c-o-s-t," and the word ends with "-al." With practice, the spelling of "iliocostal" can become easier to remember.
Iliocostal is an adjective used in anatomy and physiology to describe a muscle that connects the ilium (the uppermost part of the hip bone) to the ribs or costal cartilage (the flexible connective tissue that connects the ribs to the sternum).
The term "iliocostal" is derived from the combination of two words: "ilio," which refers to the ilium, and "costal," which pertains to the ribs. The iliocostal muscles play a crucial role in the movement and stabilization of the trunk and spine. They are part of the deeper layer of muscles in the back and are specifically classified as part of the erector spinae muscle group.
There are two primary iliocostal muscles: the iliocostalis lumborum and the iliocostalis thoracis. The iliocostalis lumborum is located in the lower back region and spans between the ilium and the lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae. The iliocostalis thoracis runs from the upper lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae to the upper ribs. Both muscles work in coordination with other muscles in the back to maintain posture, assist in spinal extension and rotation, and provide stability for various bodily movements.
Understanding the function and structure of the iliocostal muscles is essential for healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers in the fields of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and physical therapy.
Relating to the ilium and the ribs, noting muscles passing between the two parts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "iliocostal" can be broken down into two parts: "ilio" and "costal".
The prefix "ilio-" is derived from the Latin word "ilium", meaning "flank" or "loin". In human anatomy, it refers to the ilium bone, which is one of the three main bones that make up the hip bone.
The term "costal" is derived from the Latin word "costa", meaning "rib". In anatomy, it refers to anything related to the ribs.
Therefore, when combined, "iliocostal" refers to something that pertains to both the ilium (hip bone) and the ribs. It is often used to describe muscles or ligaments that connect the ilium and ribs, such as the iliocostalis muscle, which is a group of muscles that extend from the ilium to the ribs in the human body.