excursion

Any movement from one point to another, usually with the implied idea of returning again to the original position.

- lateral e. movement of the mandible to the right or left side.

- protrusive e. movement of the mandible to a position forward of the centric position.

- retrusive e. the slight backward and return movement of the mandible between the position of closure and a slightly posterior position.

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ex·cur·sion ik-'skər-zhən n

1 a) a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis <\excursion of the femur>

b) the distance traversed

2) one complete movement of expansion and contraction of the lungs and their membranes (as in breathing)

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ex·cur·sion (eks-kurґzhən) [L. excurrere to run out from] movements occurring from a normal, or rest, position of a movable part in performance of a function, as those of the mandible to attain functional contact between the cusps of the mandibular and maxillary teeth in mastication, or of the chest wall in respiration. Called also excursive movements. excursive adj