The word "small trochanter" refers to a small projection on the upper part of the thigh bone. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as follows: /smɔːl/ for "small", which is pronounced with a long o sound; and /ˈtrɒkəntər/ for "trochanter", which is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and a schwa sound on the final syllable. It is important to spell medical terms correctly in order to ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals.
The small trochanter refers to a bony prominence located on the inner side of the femur, near the junction of the femoral shaft and the neck. Also known as the lesser trochanter, it serves as an attachment point for various muscles that participate in the movement of the hip joint.
Anatomically, the small trochanter is situated just below the greater trochanter, which is a larger and more prominent structure on the outer side of the femur. Together, these trochanters play integral roles in stabilizing and facilitating the articulation of the hip joint.
Specifically, the small trochanter serves as the attachment site for the psoas major muscle, one of the primary flexors of the hip joint. The psoas major originates from the lumbar vertebrae and extends down to insert on the small trochanter. Other muscles, such as the iliacus and pectineus, also connect to this bony projection, contributing to the overall function and movement of the hip joint.
Moreover, the small trochanter plays a crucial role in enabling proper biomechanics and weight-bearing capabilities of the femur. Its location and connections to various muscles allow for coordinated movement during activities such as walking, running, and climbing.
In summary, the small trochanter is a bony prominence found on the inner side of the femur, serving as an attachment point for several muscles involved in hip joint movement and stability.
T. minor.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "trochanter" originated from the Greek word "trokhantēr", which means "runner". The small trochanter refers to a bony prominence found on the femur (thighbone) near its upper end. The term "small" is used to differentiate it from the greater trochanter, which is another bony prominence on the femur. The etymology of the word "small trochanter" is derived from its anatomical position as a smaller runner-like prominence on the femur.