A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Absolute Strength

The maximum force that an individual's muscle can produce is a single voluntary effort, regardless of the rate of force production.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Abdomen

The region between the diaphragm and the pelvis.

Acupuncture

A practice, chiefly in Chinese medicine, of attempting to cure illness or relieve pain by puncturing specific areas of the skin with needles.

Acute

Sharp, brief or severe; the initial stage of an injury.

Adaptation

To adjust to new conditions.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body.

Adhesion

The abnormal union of body tissues that are normally separate (similar to scar tissue).

Adipose

Fatty substance

Aerobic Exercise

Exercise occurring in the presence of molecular oxygen in the muscle.

Afferent Neuron

Sensory neuron carrying information toward the central nervous system.

Agility

Ability to start, stop, and move the body quickly in different directions.

Agonist

A muscle responsible for producing a specific movement through concentric muscle action.

Amino Acids

A class of organic compounds that are building blocks from which protein is constructed.

Anaerobic Exercise

Exercise occurring in the absence of molecular oxygen in the muscle.

Anatomical Position

Standing erect, with feet and palms facing forward.

Anorexia Athletica

The use of excessive exercise to lose weight, normally associated with anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image in which a person does not take in a sufficient amount of calories, eventually causing harm to the body, and sometimes death.

Antagonist

A muscle responsible for opposing the concentric muscle action of the agonist.

Anterior Tilt

Pelvic tilt in which the vertical plane through the anterior-superior spines is anterior to the vertical plane through the symphysis pubis.

Anterior

Anatomical term referring to the front of the body; toward the front.

Appendage

A structure attached to the body such as the upper and lower extremities.

Arthritis

Inflammation of a joint.

Articulation

A joint or connection of bones.

ASIS

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine.

Asymmetrical

Imbalance of the arrangement of parts. Not moving together.

Atrophy

Wasting away of any part, organ, tissue or cell.

Autogenic Inhibition

Inhibition of the muscle spindle resulting from the Golgi tendon organ stimulation.

Avascular

Without blood supply.

Avulsion

Forceful tearing away of any part of a structure.