Medical Dictionary
arch
noun \ˈärch\
Medical Definition of ARCH
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 the calcaneus 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 central anterior portion of the median longitudinal arch b : arch of the aorta
2
: a fingerprint in which all the ridges run from side to side and make no backward turn
Illustration of ARCH
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