What does protrusion refer to in medical terms?

Protrusion in medical terms refers to the state of being thrust forward or laterally. This term is commonly used to describe the visual or physical displacement of any body part, such as a body organ or tissue, that extends outward from its normal position. In various contexts, protrusion can be used to talk about conditions like hernias, where an organ protrudes through an opening in the surrounding body part, or even in dental contexts, where a tooth might protrude from the gum line. Understanding this term is essential in both clinical assessments and discussions about anatomical changes in patients.