1. Plural of crus; the leg or a leg-like anatomical structure, especially the part of the leg between the knee and ankle.
Usage: anatomy; medical
2. In anatomy, any of various leg-shaped or elongated structures in the body, such as the crura of the diaphragm or the crura of the cerebrum.
Usage: anatomy; technical

Examples

• The crura of the diaphragm are muscular structures that help control breathing.
• In anatomical studies, the crura of the legs are examined for signs of injury or disease.
• The physician palpated the patient's crura to assess circulation.
• Fractures of the crura require careful orthopedic treatment.
• The crura cerebri are important neural pathways in the brain.