protrusie

Protrusie is a general term used to describe the act or result of something extending outward beyond its normal boundary or surface. The word derives from Latin protrudere, meaning to push forward. It is used across various fields to denote an outward projection or outgrowth.

In biology and anatomy, protrusions refer to outward extensions from cells, tissues, or organs. Examples include cellular protrusions such as lamellipodia and filopodia that aid movement and environmental sensing, as well as skeletal or soft tissue protrusions like bone processes, ridges, or outgrowths on organs.

In medicine, protrusion is used in specific contexts such as disc protrusion in the spine. This describes bulging of inner disc material beyond its central region while remaining contained by the outer annulus fibrosus, in contrast to more severe forms where material breaches the outer boundary. Protrusions may be detected on imaging studies and can be associated with pain or nerve irritation if they compress nearby structures.

In dentistry and orthodontics, protrusion can describe forward-positioning of teeth or jaws relative to normal occlusion, which can influence bite and facial aesthetics.

In engineering and everyday usage, protrusion denotes any part that extends beyond a surface or boundary, such as a protruding nozzle or edge. It is a common descriptor in design, manufacturing, and quality-control contexts.

See also: protrusion in medicine, dental protrusion, and architectural or mechanical protrusions.