artificial limb

limb

 [lim]

1. one of the paired appendages of the body used in locomotion and grasping; see arm and leg. Called also member, membrum, and extremity.

2. a structure or part resembling an arm or leg.

anacrotic limb ascending limb (def. 2).

artificial limb a replacement for a missing limb; see also prosthesis.

ascending limb

1. the distal part of Henle's loop.

2. the ascending portion of an arterial pulse tracing; called also anacrotic limb.

catacrotic limb descending limb (def. 2).

descending limb

1. the proximal part of Henle's loop.

2. the descending portion of an arterial pulse tracing; called also catacrotic limb.

lower limb the limb of the body extending from the gluteal region to the foot; it is specialized for weight-bearing and locomotion. See also leg.

pectoral limb the arm (upper limb), or a homologous part.

pelvic limb the leg (lower limb), or a homologous part.

phantom limb the sensation, after amputation of a limb, that the absent part is still present; there may also be paresthesias, transient aches, and intermittent or continuous pain perceived as originating in the absent limb.

residual limb stump.

thoracic limb pectoral limb.

upper limb the limb of the body extending from the deltoid region to the hand; it is specialized for functions requiring great mobility, such as grasping and manipulating. See also arm.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

artificial limb

A PROSTHESIS designed to replace an amputated arm or leg. Artificial limbs may perform a purely supportive function or may simulate, to varying degrees, some of the functions of the part.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005