Medical Assistant Terms

ambulate

refers to walking, being mobile

angle

the intersection of two two straight lines that meet at a point

axilla

the underarm area, armpit

body mechanics

the use of appropriate body positioning when moving and lifting objects to avoid injury.

Crutches

staffs with a cross-piece at the top to place under arms of lame (disabled, injured) person

flexibility

easily bent, complaint, yielding to persuasion

gait

manner of walking

mobility

quality of being mobile, easy to use

quad-base

refers to a cane with four-"feet"

range-of-motion (ROM)

refers to the movement of the body's joint and extermeities

Sling

A hanging support for an injured arm

Stabilize

to make steady; firmly fixed; constant

support

to hold up, to bear part of the weight

walker

a type of mobility device, useful for patients who can not safely use crutches or cane

wheelchair

a chair fitted with wheels by which a person can propel oneself