This month’s Physio-Vocab Digest word is MEDIAN.

In physiotherapy, the term “median” refers to a position in your body that is right in the middle. It’s like the center point or balance point of certain structures.

For example, the median plane is an imaginary vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves, passing through the midline. It is used as a reference point for describing the location of organs or structures in relation to this central plane.

In terms of specific anatomical structures, the median nerve is a major nerve that runs down the arm and forearm, passing through the carpal tunnel. It provides sensation to the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and a portion of the ring finger. Its name “median” indicates its position in the midline of the forearm.

In summary, when used as a medical term to describe position, “median” signifies a central or midline location within the body or an anatomical structure.