Medical Dictionary
Main Entry:
archPronunciation:
'ärch Function:
noun 1 : an anatomical structure that resembles an arch in form or function: as
a : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it: (1)
: a longitudinal arch supported posteriorly by the basal tuberosity of thecalcaneus and anteriorly by the heads of the metatarsal bones (2)
: a transverse arch consisting of the metatarsals and first row of tarsals and resulting from elevation of the centralanterior portion of the median longitudinal arch
b : ARCH OF THE AORTA 2 : afingerprint in which all the ridges run from side to side and make no backward turn