ankle
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæŋ.kəl/US/ˈæŋ.kəl/
The joint connecting the foot with the leg; the part of the body between the leg and the foot.
同義詞典
同義詞
使用方式
A complex joint that connects the foot to the leg, allowing for movement and providing stability during various activities.The ankle is a crucial joint in the human body that connects the foot to the lower leg, specifically the tibia and fibula bones. This joint enables a range of movements, including dorsiflexion (raising the foot upwards), plantarflexion (pointing the foot downwards), inversion (turning the sole of the foot inward), and eversion (turning the sole outward). The ankle joint plays a vital role in activities such as walking, running, jumping, and maintaining balance.Anatomically, the ankle is composed of three main bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. These bones form the primary structure of the joint, while various ligaments, tendons, and muscles provide support and facilitate movement. The stability of the ankle is maintained by strong ligaments, including the lateral ligaments on the outer side and the medial ligaments on the inner side. Additionally, the Achilles tendon, one of the strongest tendons in the body, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, aiding in powerful movements like pushing off during walking or running.Common injuries to the ankle include sprains, fractures, and tendonitis. Ankle sprains, often caused by rolling the foot inward or outward, involve stretching or tearing of the ligaments. Proper footwear, strength training, and flexibility exercises can help prevent such injuries. In cases of severe injury, medical intervention may be necessary to ensure proper healing and to restore full function.Overall, the ankle's design allows for both flexibility and stability, making it essential for mobility and everyday activities. Understanding its structure and function is important for maintaining foot health and preventing injuries.
替代選項
When referring to the "ankle," consider the following related terms based on context:1. **Tarsus**: Refers to the cluster of bones in the foot closest to the ankle. - Example: "The tarsus includes the talus and calcaneus bones."2. **Achilles Tendon**: The strong tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel, crucial for ankle movement. - Example: "He injured his Achilles tendon during the marathon."3. **Ankle Joint**: The specific joint that allows for the various movements of the ankle. - Example: "The ankle joint facilitates dorsiflexion and plantarflexion."4. **Ligaments**: The connective tissues that support the ankle, preventing excessive movement. - Example: "Ankle sprains often involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments."5. **Plantarflexion/Dorsiflexion**: Specific movements of the ankle joint. - Example: "Plantarflexion is the movement of pointing the toes downward."6. **Eversion/Inversion**: Movements that tilt the sole of the foot outward or inward. - Example: "Inversion involves turning the sole of the foot inward."7. **Foot Ankle**: A term emphasizing the connection between the foot and ankle. - Example: "She has been experiencing pain in her foot ankle after the hike."These alternatives can help provide more specific descriptions or focus on particular aspects of the ankle, depending on the context.
寫作
In formal or academic writing, "ankle" can be utilized to discuss anatomical structures, medical conditions, or biomechanical functions. For example:- **Medical Context**: "Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in athletes, often resulting from excessive inversion of the foot." This sentence uses "ankle" to describe a specific medical condition.- **Anatomical Description**: "The ankle joint, comprising the tibia, fibula, and talus, allows for a range of movements essential for locomotion." Here, "ankle" is used to explain its anatomical components and function.- **Biomechanics Study**: "Proper alignment of the ankle is crucial for efficient gait mechanics and injury prevention." This usage emphasizes the importance of the ankle in movement and health.When writing about the ankle, it is important to provide clear definitions and contextual information to enhance the reader's understanding. Incorporating diagrams or references to anatomical models can also be beneficial in illustrating the structure and function of the ankle. Additionally, discussing common injuries, preventative measures, and rehabilitation techniques can provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.Furthermore, in research papers or reviews, comparing the ankle's functionality across different populations or activities can offer deeper insights. For instance: "Comparative studies of ankle stability in ballet dancers versus soccer players reveal distinct adaptations to repetitive stress." This approach not only defines "ankle" but also situates it within a broader scientific inquiry.
日常對話
In everyday conversations, "ankle" is often used to talk about physical activities, injuries, or personal experiences. For example:- **Discussing Injuries**: "I twisted my ankle while playing basketball yesterday, and it's still sore today."- **Talking About Activities**: "She loves running, but she's cautious about not overworking her ankles."- **Casual Observations**: "He wears stylish bracelets around his ankles." People also use "ankle" in more playful or metaphorical ways:- **Describing Flexibility**: "Yoga helps improve the flexibility of your ankles and knees." - **Fitness Conversations**: "Strong ankles are important for maintaining balance during exercises."Additionally, when talking about fashion or accessories, you might say:- **Fashion Talk**: "Those ankle boots look great with your jeans." Using "ankle" casually can make conversations about health, fitness, and style more relatable and specific.
詞源
The word "ankle" originates from the Old English word "ancle," which is derived from the Latin "ankulus," a diminutive of "anca," meaning "knee." Over time, the term evolved through Middle English as "ankle," maintaining its reference to the joint connecting the foot and leg. The anatomical significance of the ankle has been recognized across various cultures and historical periods, emphasizing its importance in mobility and balance.In linguistic evolution, "ankle" has remained relatively consistent in its meaning, distinguishing it from related terms like "knee" or "foot." Its usage spans medical, biological, and everyday contexts, reflecting its integral role in human anatomy. Additionally, the term has been adopted metaphorically in literature and colloquial speech to symbolize support, connection, or stability, drawing parallels between the physical joint and abstract concepts.Understanding the etymology of "ankle" provides insight into its foundational role in the body's structure and its enduring presence in language as both a literal and figurative term.