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Laceration-A wound made by tearing. Usually a jagged or irregular cut to the soft tissue.
Lactose-A carbohydrate composed of the 2 sugars, glucose and galactose, commonly known as milk sugar.
Lactose intolerant-Unable to tolerate lactose found in dairy products; symptoms include nausea, bloating, gas and loose stools.
Lateral-Pertains to the outside. Means away from the midline of the body, or toward the sides of the body. (e.g. the hips are lateral to the navel, or lateral flexion of the trunk is synonymous with side bending) Opposite of lateral is medial.
Lateral Flexion-Flexion toward the side of the body. (e.g. bending the neck to the side so that the ear meets the shoulder is lateral flexion)
Lateral Rotation-Turning the axis of a joint away from the midline of the body. Opposite of internal or medial rotation, but synonymous with external rotation. (e.g. turning the shoulder outward laterally rotates the shoulder, or turning the toes outward laterally rotates the lower leg)
Laxative-A food or chemical substance that acts to loosen the bowels and prevent/relieve constipation.
Laxity (joint)-Looseness in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding a joint resulting in an inability to maintain the integrity of the joint.
Lengthening-The process in which the muscle assumes a normal resting length by means of the neuromuscular mechanism.
Lesion-A wound or injury creating a pathogenic change in tissues.
Leucine-An essential amino acid; a branched chain amino acid.
Leukemia-A fatal disease of the blood-forming organs, characterized by a marked increase in the number of white blood cells, together with enlargement and proliferation of the lymphoid tissue of the spleen, lymphatic glands, and bone marrow.
Leukoplakia-A disease characterized by the development of white, thickened patches that sometimes fissure (crack). It develops in the cheeks, gums or tongue and is common in smokers and users of tobacco products.
Ligament-A strong band of fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone and supports and strengthens joints. Ligaments are flexible but inelastic.
Liniment-Topical liquid or semi-liquid used for therapeutic purposes.
Lipoproteins-Lipid means fat. Proteins are the transport system for fats that allows them to travel throughout the body. A lipoprotein is therefore, a fat particle produced in the liver that travels in the body.
Liver cancer – (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) A tumor of the liver. Risk factors include chronic active hepatitis B and cirrhosis of the liver.
Locking-Term used for straightening an arm or leg, to the point where the joint is locked in place, such as the elbow and knee joints. This typically involves hyperextension of the joint placing undue stress on the joint.
Long Term Goals-Objectives met within a year to a lifetime. (e.g. maintaining muscular strength and endurance by regular aerobic exercise and strength training)
Lordosis-An exaggerated concave curvature of the lumbar region of the spine. Sometimes called a swayback.
Lordotic Curve-Inward curve of the spine.
Lotions-Semi-liquid substance containing agents for moisturizing the skin or for therapeutic proposes.
Lou Gehrig’s Disease -Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL)-Known as bad cholesterol; responsible for depositing cholesterol in the artery walls, which increases one’s risk for heart disease.
Low Impact Activities-Water aerobics, walking.
Lubricant-A substance that reduces friction; in massage therapy a lubricant is used to enable the therapist to glide across the skin without pulling and causing discomfort to the client.
Lumbar Spine-The area of the spinal column located directly below the last vertebra of the thoracic spine to the sacrum (tail bone), labeled L1-L5. Often referred to as the "low back," it provides mobility for the back, support for the upper portion of the body, and transmits weight to the pelvis and lower extremities.
Lumbar Vertebral Disc-Cartilage situated between each of the vertebrae in the low back or lumbar spine to reduce friction and provide shock absorption for the spine.
Lumbodorsal Fascia-A deep membrane or fibrous band of connective tissue that covers, supports, or separates muscles of the trunk and back. It also binds skin with underlying tissues. Synonymous with thoracolumbar fascia.
Lung Cancer-A cancerous growth in lung tissue, lung cancer may be metastatic from another source (e.g. the colon) or may be primary (originating in the lung).
Lymph Glands-Part of the immune system.
Lymph Nodes-Molecules found throughout the body that act as filters, especially to keep bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
Lymphatic system-Open system of vessels distribution intra-cellular fluids.
Lymphoma-A general term applied to any neoplastic (abnormal growth of cells, such as cancer) disorder of the
lymphoid tissue. Lymphoma can be a malignant, or life-threatening tumor of the lymph glands.