LATERAL CARTILAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Lateral cartilage is a term primarily used in veterinary anatomy to refer to a specific type of cartilage found in the limbs of certain quadruped animals, such as horses. It is a cartilaginous structure that provides support and protection to the joint capsule of the distal limb, particularly in the vicinity of the fetlock joint.
Anatomically, the lateral cartilage is located on the lateral side of the metacarpophalangeal (or fetlock) joint, extending from the distal end of the third metacarpal bone to the proximal end of the proximal phalanx. It is a thick, fibrous plate composed of dense fibrocartilage that is resistant to compression, tension, and shear forces.
The primary function of the lateral cartilage is to ensure stability and protect the fetlock joint during locomotion and weight-bearing activities. It serves as a shock absorber, preventing excessive movement of the joint and reducing the strain on other adjacent structures, such as tendons and ligaments. Additionally, the lateral cartilage also contributes to the proper distribution of forces during movement, aiding in the achievement and maintenance of normal limb biomechanics.
In certain circumstances, abnormalities or degenerative changes can manifest in the lateral cartilage, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis or specific injuries. Therefore, understanding the anatomy and function of the lateral cartilage is crucial for veterinarians and practitioners involved in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues in horses and other similar animals.
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One of the cartilages from the extremity of the third phalanx or os pedis of the horse passing down to the heel of the hoof.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LATERAL CARTILAGE
- kateral cartilage
- pateral cartilage
- oateral cartilage
- lzteral cartilage
- lsteral cartilage
- lwteral cartilage
- lqteral cartilage
- lareral cartilage
- laferal cartilage
- lageral cartilage
- layeral cartilage
- la6eral cartilage
- la5eral cartilage
- latwral cartilage
- latsral cartilage
- latdral cartilage
- latrral cartilage
- lat4ral cartilage
- lat3ral cartilage
- lateeal cartilage
Etymology of LATERAL CARTILAGE
The word "lateral" comes from the Latin word "lateralis", which means "of or pertaining to the side". It is derived from the Latin word "latus", meaning "side".
The word "cartilage" comes from the Latin word "cartilago", which refers to "gristle" or "firmness". The etymology of "cartilage" traces back to an Indo-European root word "krt-lo", which means "to hang together" or "to be strong".
Therefore, the term "lateral cartilage" can be understood as a compound word where "lateral" denotes the side, and "cartilage" refers to the firm tissue or gristle. It is generally used to describe specific types of cartilage found on the sides of certain body parts, such as the lateral cartilages of the nose or the lateral cartilages of the horse hoof.
