Chordae Tendineae are thin, tough, cord-like structures inside the heart. They connect the mitral and tricuspid valve leaflets to the papillary muscles in the ventricles. Their plain role is to help the valve close without “flipping backward” during contraction. They are commonly discussed in echocardiography reports and in mitral or tricuspid valve repair surgery.

A Valve Cusp is a thin, flexible flap of tissue that forms part of a heart valve. It opens and closes with each heartbeat to keep blood moving forward. Clinicians use the term when describing valve anatomy on imaging and during valve procedures. It is most commonly discussed in the aortic and pulmonary valves, and sometimes for the mitral and tricuspid valves.

Rotation is a type of body movement where a structure turns around its axis. In spine health, Rotation usually means twisting of the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or low back (lumbar spine). Clinicians use Rotation to describe normal motion, to document limitations, and to reproduce or relieve symptoms during an exam. It is also discussed in rehabilitation, sports mechanics, and some surgical deformity-correction planning.

A Valve Leaflet is a thin, flexible piece of tissue that opens and closes to control blood flow through a heart valve. It works like a one-way “door,” helping blood move forward and reducing backward leakage. Valve Leaflets are found in the heart’s four valves: mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary. Clinicians reference Valve Leaflets in imaging reports, valve disease evaluations, and valve repair or replacement planning.

Lateral bending is the side-to-side movement of the spine, neck, or trunk. It happens when you lean your head or torso toward one shoulder or hip. Clinicians use it to assess spinal mobility, pain patterns, and nerve-related symptoms. It is also used in rehabilitation, ergonomics, and imaging or surgical planning.

The Aortic Annulus is the ring-like structure at the base of the aortic valve. It forms the transition between the left ventricle and the aorta. Clinicians use it as a key reference point when evaluating aortic valve disease. It is also used to size and plan valve procedures, including surgical and catheter-based options.

Extension is a movement that increases the angle between two body parts. In the spine, Extension usually means bending backward, such as arching the low back or looking up with the neck. It is commonly used in physical exams, rehabilitation, imaging tests, and surgical planning. Clinicians often discuss Extension together with flexion (bending forward) to describe how the spine moves and where symptoms change.

The Tricuspid Annulus is the ring-like attachment point where the tricuspid valve leaflets meet the heart muscle. It sits between the right atrium (upper right chamber) and right ventricle (lower right chamber). Clinicians refer to it often on echocardiography reports and during valve repair planning. It is also a key target and reference point for some surgical and catheter-based tricuspid procedures.

Flexion is a bending movement that decreases the angle between two body parts. In the spine, Flexion means bending forward, like bringing your chin toward your chest or rounding your low back. It is used in everyday movement, exercise, physical exams, and medical imaging. Clinicians also use Flexion concepts to describe posture, joint motion, and how symptoms change with movement.

The Mitral Annulus is a ring-like structure at the base of the mitral valve in the left side of the heart. It provides the attachment point for the mitral valve leaflets and helps the valve open and close properly. Clinicians commonly reference it in echocardiography reports and in planning mitral valve repair or replacement. It is also a key landmark in some catheter-based heart valve procedures.