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P
Kinesiology Dictionary
Please use this dictionary of professional kinesiology terms and definitions to help you learn. New terms and definitions will be added on a regular basis for you to learn from. I have decided to extend the dictionary to include terms and definitions from sciences that relate to and support being a kinesiologist or any other healthcare professional. Knowledge itself is power - use the dictionary to empower yourself. Please use the letters in blue below as links to get to the first letter of the term you are looking for. You will be transferred to another page containing those terms and definitions accordingly. Enjoy!
Term | Definition | Associated Field |
|---|---|---|
PaCO₂ | Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood. | Physiology |
PaO₂ | Partial pressure of oxygen in blood. | Physiology |
Pacinian Corpuscle | Sensory receptor detecting vibration/pressure. | Anatomy / Physiology |
Palate | Roof of mouth (hard and soft portions). | Anatomy |
Palpation | Clinical method of feeling body structures with hands. | Medicine |
Pancreas | Gland producing digestive enzymes and insulin. | Anatomy / Physiology |
Pancreatitis | Inflammation of pancreas. | Pathophysiology |
Panniculus | Layer of fatty tissue under skin. | Anatomy |
Papillary Muscle | Muscle in ventricles controlling heart valves. | Anatomy |
Paracrine Signaling | Cell communication via local chemical messengers. | Physiology |
Paradoxical Breathing | Abnormal chest movement in respiratory distress. | Pathophysiology |
Paramedic | First responder trained in emergency medical care. | ACLS / First Aid |
Parasympathetic Nervous System | Division of ANS promoting rest/digest functions. | Physiology |
Parathyroid Glands | Endocrine glands regulating calcium levels. | Physiology |
Parietal Bone | Skull bone forming side and roof of cranium. | Anatomy |
Parietal Lobe | Brain lobe processing sensory information. | Neuroscience |
Parietal Pericardium | Outer layer of pericardial sac. | Anatomy |
Parietal Pleura | Membrane lining thoracic cavity. | Anatomy |
Parkinson’s Disease | Neurodegenerative disorder with tremors, rigidity. | Pathophysiology |
Partial Pressure | Pressure of an individual gas in a mixture. | Physiology |
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) | Joint motion performed without muscle activity. | Exercise Testing |
Patella | Kneecap bone aiding knee extension. | Anatomy |
Patellar Reflex | Knee-jerk reflex testing spinal cord integrity. | Physiology |
Pathogen | Microorganism causing disease. | Biology |
Pathology | Study of disease mechanisms. | Pathophysiology |
Pectoralis Major | Large chest muscle for arm movement. | Anatomy / Strength & Conditioning |
Pectoralis Minor | Muscle beneath pec major aiding scapula movement. | Anatomy |
Pedagogy | Science of teaching and instruction. | Sociology |
Pedaling Efficiency | Ratio of effective cycling force to total force. | Exercise Physiology |
Pelvic Floor | Muscles supporting pelvic organs. | Anatomy |
Pelvic Tilt | Orientation of pelvis influencing posture. | Biomechanics |
Penicillin | Antibiotic derived from mold. | Medicine |
Perceived Exertion (RPE) | Subjective scale of exercise intensity. | Exercise Testing |
Pericardium | Sac surrounding the heart. | Anatomy |
Perilymph | Inner ear fluid transmitting sound vibrations. | Physiology |
Perimysium | Connective tissue around muscle fascicles. | Anatomy |
Perineum | Region between anus and genitals. | Anatomy |
Periodization | Planned variation in training programs. | Strength & Conditioning |
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) | Nerves outside brain and spinal cord. | Anatomy |
Peripheral Resistance | Resistance of arteries to blood flow. | Physiology |
Peristalsis | Wave-like contractions moving food in GI tract. | Physiology |
Peritoneum | Membrane lining abdominal cavity. | Anatomy |
Peritonitis | Inflammation of peritoneum. | Pathophysiology |
Phagocytosis | Process of engulfing particles by immune cells. | Biology |
Pharynx | Muscular throat passageway. | Anatomy |
Phenotype | Observable characteristics of an organism. | Genetics |
Phenylketonuria (PKU) | Genetic disorder impairing amino acid metabolism. | Pathophysiology |
Phobia | Irrational fear response. | Psychology |
Phonation | Production of vocal sound. | Physiology |
Phoneme | Basic unit of sound in speech. | Psychology |
Phosphagen System | Energy system using ATP-PCr. | Exercise Physiology |
Phosphocreatine | Molecule storing energy in muscles. | Biochemistry |
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) | Key glycolysis enzyme. | Biochemistry |
Phospholipid | Major cell membrane component. | Biology |
Phosphorylation | Addition of phosphate group to molecules. | Biochemistry |
Photoreceptor | Retinal cell detecting light. | Anatomy |
Physical Activity | Any bodily movement requiring energy expenditure. | Exercise Physiology |
Physical Fitness | Ability to perform daily/athletic tasks effectively. | Exercise Physiology |
Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation to restore movement/function. | Exercise Prescription |
Physiology | Study of function in living organisms. | Physiology |
Phytochemical | Plant-derived compound with health effects. | Nutrition |
Pia Mater | Innermost meninges covering brain/spinal cord. | Anatomy |
Piloerection | Involuntary hair standing (goosebumps). | Physiology |
Pineal Gland | Brain gland secreting melatonin. | Physiology |
Pituitary Gland | Endocrine gland regulating hormones. | Physiology |
Pivot Joint | Joint allowing rotation (e.g., atlas-axis). | Anatomy |
Placebo Effect | Improvement due to belief in treatment. | Psychology |
Plank Exercise | Core strengthening isometric exercise. | Strength & Conditioning |
Plantar Fascia | Tissue supporting foot arch. | Anatomy |
Plantar Fasciitis | Inflammation of plantar fascia. | Sport Injury |
Plantarflexion | Movement pointing toes downward. | Anatomy |
Plasma | Fluid component of blood. | Physiology |
Plasma Membrane | Cell’s outer boundary regulating entry/exit. | Biology |
Platelet | Blood cell fragment aiding clotting. | Physiology |
Plethysmography | Technique measuring volume changes in organs. | Exercise Testing |
Pleura | Membranes surrounding lungs. | Anatomy |
Pneumonia | Lung infection causing inflammation. | Pathophysiology |
Pneumothorax | Air in pleural cavity causing lung collapse. | Pathophysiology |
Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) | Location where heartbeat strongest on chest wall. | Medicine |
Poiseuille’s Law | Law describing laminar blood flow. | Physics / Physiology |
Polarization | Resting state of a neuron’s membrane potential. | Physiology |
Polycythemia | Excess red blood cell production. | Pathophysiology |
Polydipsia | Excessive thirst. | Pathophysiology |
Polygraph | Lie detector measuring physiological responses. | Psychology |
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) | Technique amplifying DNA sequences. | Genetics |
Polymorphism | Genetic variation in a population. | Genetics |
Polyneuropathy | Widespread nerve damage. | Pathophysiology |
Polypeptide | Chain of amino acids forming proteins. | Biochemistry |
Polyunsaturated Fat | Fatty acid with multiple double bonds. | Nutrition |
Pons | Brainstem structure linking medulla and midbrain. | Anatomy |
Popliteal Fossa | Space behind the knee joint. | Anatomy |
Population Health | Health outcomes across groups. | Sociology / Medicine |
Porosity (Bone) | Measure of bone density and strength. | Anatomy |
Post-Activation Potentiation | Temporary increase in muscle performance after heavy load. | Strength & Conditioning |
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Psychological disorder after trauma. | Psychology |
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) | Knee ligament preventing backward tibial movement. | Anatomy / Sport Injury |
Posterior Tibialis | Muscle supporting foot arch. | Anatomy |
Postganglionic Neuron | Autonomic neuron projecting to target organs. | Physiology |
Posture | Alignment of body segments. | Biomechanics |
Power Output | Rate of performing work in exercise. | Exercise Physiology |
Prefrontal Cortex | Brain region for decision-making, planning. | Neuroscience |
Prehypertension | Blood pressure slightly above normal. | Pathophysiology |
Preload (Heart) | Stretch of ventricles before contraction. | Physiology |
Preoperational Stage | Piaget’s cognitive development stage (ages 2–7). | Psychology |
Pressure-Volume Loop | Cardiac cycle graph plotting pressure vs. volume. | Physiology |
Pronation | Rotation of forearm/foot inward. | Anatomy |
Proprioception | Sense of body position and movement. | Motor Behavior |
Protein | Macromolecule composed of amino acids. | Biochemistry / Nutrition |
Proteinuria | Presence of protein in urine. | Pathophysiology |
Prothrombin | Plasma protein converted to thrombin in clotting. | Physiology |
Prothrombin Time (PT) | Blood test measuring clotting ability. | Medicine |
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Drug reducing stomach acid secretion. | Medicine |
Proximal | Anatomical term meaning “closer to trunk.” | Anatomy |
Psoas Major | Hip flexor muscle. | Anatomy |
Psoriasis | Chronic autoimmune skin disease. | Pathophysiology |
Psychomotor Learning | Integration of motor and cognitive skills. | Sport Psychology |
Pulmonary Artery | Vessel carrying blood from heart to lungs. | Anatomy |
Pulmonary Edema | Fluid accumulation in lungs. | Pathophysiology |
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) | Tests assessing lung capacity and airflow. | Exercise Testing |
Pulmonary Valve | Heart valve between right ventricle and pulmonary artery. | Anatomy |
Pulmonary Ventilation | Movement of air into and out of lungs. | Physiology |
Pulse Pressure | Difference between systolic and diastolic BP. | Physiology |
Purkinje Fibers | Specialized heart fibers conducting impulses. | Physiology / ECG |
Pyloric Sphincter | Valve controlling passage from stomach to intestine. | Anatomy |
Pyruvate | End product of glycolysis. | Biochemistry |
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase | Enzyme converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. | Biochemistry |
pH | Measure of acidity/alkalinity. | Chemistry / Physiology |
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