L Glossary of Terms for
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

L

Labrum (Labrum Genoidule):

The cartilage of the glenoid cavity in the shoulder. A lip-edge or lip-like structure.

Lateral:

To the outside of the body.

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL):

Ligament of the knee along the lateral aspect that connects the femur to the fibula. It provides lateral stability to the joint.

Lateral Epicondylitis:

Tennis Elbow.

LDL Cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol provides cholesterol for necessary body functions, but in excessive amounts it tends to accumulate in artery walls; known as "bad" cholesterol.

Left Ventricle:

The largest and most muscular chamber of the heart concerned with the pumping of oxygen-rich blood from the lungs (via the left atrium) to all the other tissues of the body, via the aorta.

Lesion:

Wound, injury or tumor.

Ligament:

Band of fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone or bone to cartilage and supports and strengthens joints.

Lipid:

Descriptive term for a fat or fat-like substance found in the blood, such as cholesterol. The body stores fat as energy for future use just like a car that has a reserve fuel tank. When the body needs energy, it can break down the lipids into fatty acids and burn them like glucose (sugar).

Lipoproteins:

Proteins combined with lipids to make them dissolve in blood. See High-density lipoprotein; Low-density lipoprotein; Very-low-density lipoprotein.

Lumbar Vertebrae:

Five vertebrae of the lower back that articulate with the sacrum to form the lumbosacral joint.

Lumbosacral:

Region of low back comprised of lumbar and sacral spine.

Lungs:

The two organs of respiration that bring air and blood into close contact so that oxygen can be added to and carbon dioxide removed from the blood.

Lymphatic system:

The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry cells that fight infection. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and vessels that carry lymph.

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