Question

after the fusion of two of his lumbar vertebrae, the patient experienced improved stability in his spine and could return to normal activities. what does fusion mean in this sentence? 1) a union or merging of separate elements into a whole 2) a process in which plastic is liquefied or rendered by heat 3) a union of atomic nuclei that releases huge quantities of energy

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "fusion" in the sentence about lumbar vertebrae, we analyze the context. The sentence is about the patient's spine stability after the fusion of two vertebrae. Option 1 describes a union or merging of separate elements (the two vertebrae) into a whole, which fits the medical context of spinal fusion. Option 2 is about plastic and heat, irrelevant here. Option 3 is about atomic nuclei (nuclear fusion), not related to vertebrae. So Option 1 is correct.

Answer:

1. a union or merging of separate elements into a whole