TROCHANTERS Meaning and
Definition
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Trochanters are bony protrusions found on certain bones in the human body, specifically in the hip region. They are commonly referred to as the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter, which are two distinct and prominent structures present on the femur bone (thigh bone). These trochanters serve as attachment points for various muscles and tendons that play vital roles in the movement of the hip joint and the leg.
The greater trochanter is the larger and more prominent of the two trochanters, located on the upper end of the femur. It acts as an attachment site for several powerful hip muscles, including the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, important for stabilization and motion of the hip joint. The lesser trochanter, on the other hand, is a smaller projection situated near the base of the femur, found on the inner part of the bone. It serves as an attachment point for the psoas major muscle, a key muscle involved in hip flexion.
Trochanters play a crucial role in facilitating movement and stability of the hip joint, allowing for actions such as walking, running, sitting, and various lower body movements. Their distinct shapes and positions serve as points of reference for clinicians and healthcare professionals when assessing hip joint function, diagnosing conditions such as hip fractures or bursitis, and planning surgical interventions or rehabilitative exercises.
Common Misspellings for TROCHANTERS
Etymology of TROCHANTERS
The word "trochanters" derives from the Greek word "trokhantēr", which is the present participle of the verb "trokhein" meaning "to run". In Greek anatomy, the trochanters are bony protuberances found on the femur (thigh bone) near the hip joint, serving as points of attachment for muscles. The term was later adopted in English to refer to these specific bone structures.
