The word "plica" is spelled with a "p" followed by an "l" and an "i", then a "c" and an "a". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈplɪkə/. The "p" sound represents the voiceless bilabial stop, while the "l" sound is the voiced alveolar lateral approximant. The "i" sound is the short vowel /ɪ/ and the "c" and "a" sounds represent the voiceless velar stop and the short vowel /ə/ respectively. It refers to a fold or a pleat, often used in medical terms.
Plica is a noun that refers to a fold or a crease in a body part, particularly in a bodily membrane or tissue. The term is commonly used in medical and anatomical contexts.
In medical terminology, plica often specifically refers to the synovial plica, which is a fold in the synovial membrane present in certain joints, especially the knee joint. This plica acts as an extra layer of tissue within the joint and can sometimes become inflamed or irritated, causing pain and discomfort.
The term can also be used in a more general sense to describe other types of folds or creases in the body. For example, the plica vocalis refers to a fold of mucous membrane in the larynx that is essential for sound production during speech. Additionally, plica can also describe folds or ridges in various regions of the body, such as the plica semilunaris in the human eye or the plica circulares in the gastrointestinal tract.
Overall, plica is a versatile term used in anatomy and medicine to describe folds or creases in bodily membranes or tissues. Its usage allows for precise description and identification of the numerous folds present throughout the human body.
Gen. and pl. plicoe 1. One of several anatomical structures in which there is a folding over of the parts. 2. A matted condition of the hair due to filth and the presence of parasites, plica polonica. 3. In veterinary practice, chronic impetiginous eczema of the parts covered by the mane; mange of mane and tail.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In bot., a diseased state in plants in which the buds, instead of developing true branches, become short twigs, and these in their turn produce others of the same sort, the whole forming an entangled mass; in anat., a disease in man, in which the hair becomes matted and the scalp exceedingly sensitive.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "plica" has its origin in Latin. It is derived from the Latin verb "plicare", which means "to fold" or "to pleat". The noun form of this verb, "plica", refers to a fold or a pleat.