Depressor

/dɪˈprɛsər/ noun

Definition

Something or someone that depresses or presses down; in anatomy, a muscle that pulls a body part downward.

Etymology

From Latin 'deprimere' (to press down) + '-or' (agent suffix meaning 'one who does'). Medical terminology borrowed directly from Latin structure.

Kelly Says

Your depressor muscles pull your jaw down and your shoulders down—they're literally the opposite of your levator muscles—and it's a perfect example of how anatomy uses old Latin names for simple mechanical functions.

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