Elastic

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Elastic (medicine)

Elastic (pronounced: /iːˈlæstɪk/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to describe the property of an object or material which is able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after being stretched or deformed. It is derived from the Greek word "elastos" meaning ductile, flexible.

Usage in Medicine

In medicine, the term 'elastic' is often used to describe tissues or organs that have the ability to return to their original shape after being stretched or compressed. This property is essential for the normal functioning of many body systems, including the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and musculoskeletal system.

For example, the arteries in the cardiovascular system are elastic, allowing them to expand and contract with each heartbeat to maintain blood flow. Similarly, the lungs in the respiratory system are elastic, enabling them to inflate and deflate during breathing. In the musculoskeletal system, ligaments and tendons are elastic, providing flexibility and movement to the joints.

Related Terms

  • Elasticity (physics): In physics, elasticity is the ability of a body to resist a distorting influence and to return to its original size and shape when that influence or force is removed.
  • Elastin: Elastin is a highly elastic protein in connective tissue that allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.
  • Elastic bandage: An elastic bandage is a "stretchable bandage used to create localized pressure". Elastic bandages are commonly used to treat muscle sprains and strains by reducing the flow of blood to a particular area by the application of even stable pressure.
  • Elastic fiber: Elastic fibers are bundles of proteins (elastin) found in extracellular matrix of connective tissue and produced by fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in arteries.

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