Medical Dictionary

axis

noun ax·is \ˈak-səs\
plural ax·es \-ˌsēz\

Medical Definition of AXIS

1
a :  a straight line about which a body or a geometric figure rotates or may be thought of as rotating b :  a straight line with respect to which a body, organ, or figure is symmetrical
2
a :  the second vertebra of the neck of the higher vertebrates that is prolonged anteriorly within the foramen of the first vertebra and united with the dens which serves as a pivot for the atlas and head to turn upon—called also epistropheus b :  any of various central, fundamental, or axial parts <the cerebrospinal axis> <the skeletal axis> c :  axilla
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