FOSSA OVALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Fossa ovalis is a medical term used to describe a small depression or shallow concavity located in the right atrium of the heart. It is commonly found on the interatrial septum, which is the muscular wall that separates the right and left atria.
The term "fossa ovalis" is derived from Latin, with "fossa" meaning trench or pit, and "ovalis" referring to its oval shape. During fetal development, there is a naturally occurring opening in the interatrial septum known as the foramen ovale. This opening allows blood to bypass the lungs, as the fetal lungs are non-functional. However, upon birth and the initiation of proper lung function, the foramen ovale closes off, and the depression it leaves behind becomes the fossa ovalis.
The fossa ovalis serves as a remnant or scar of the fetal structure, providing no physiological function in adult life. It can be visualized during various medical imaging techniques such as echocardiography or during invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization. The size and shape of the fossa ovalis may vary among individuals, but generally, it measures about 1 to 2 cm in length.
While most individuals have a fully formed fossa ovalis, some cases may exhibit a patent foramen ovale, where a small opening persists between the atria after birth. However, this is relatively rare and typically does not cause any significant health issues unless associated with other cardiac conditions.
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(1) Saphenous opening in the thigh, just below Poupart's ligament, giving passage to the great (internal) saphenous vein; (2) a shallow depression in the left wall of the right atrium (auricle) of the heart marking the site of the fetal foramen ovale.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FOSSA OVALIS
- fossa ovamis
- fossa ovalys
- fossa ovalas
- fossa ovalms
- fossa ovalhs
- fossa ovali3
- fossa ovalic
- fossa ovaliq
- fossa ovalir
- f ossa ovalis
- fo ssa ovalis
- fos sa ovalis
- foss a ovalis
- fossa o valis
- fossa ov alis
- fossa ova lis
- fossa oval is
- fossa ovali s
Etymology of FOSSA OVALIS
The word "fossa ovalis" is a Latin term.
"Fossa" comes from the Latin word "fossa" which means "trench" or "ditch". It refers to a depression or hollowed-out area in anatomy.
"Ovalis" is derived from the Latin word "ovalis" which means "oval". It describes a shape resembling an ellipse or egg.
Therefore, "fossa ovalis" translates to "oval trench" or "oval depression" in English. The term is commonly used in anatomy to refer to a shallow oval-shaped depression in the interatrial septum of the heart.
Similar spelling word for FOSSA OVALIS
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