The A to Z of Anatomical Histological and Medical terms
Apex (A-pehks) - the extremity of a conical or pyramidal structure. The A
apex of the heart is the rounded, inferior most tip that points to the L
B
side.
aponeurosis: Gk. apo = from, and neuron = tendon (later applied C
to nerve cell and its fibres), used for sheet-like tendons. Adj.-
aponeurotic.
D
apophysis: Gk. apo = from, and physis = growth, a bony process
E
- the articular process of a vertebra; adj.- apophysial.
appendage: Lt. appendere = to hang on, supplement.
F
appendix: Lt. appendere = to hang on, supplement.
G
apposition: Lt. appositus = placed at, hence, in contact, in
juxtaposition.
H
aqueduct: Lt. aqua = water, and ductus = drawn or led off, a
channel for conducting fluid, e.g. the cerebral aqueduct of the
I
midbrain, which transmits fluid from the 3rd to the 4th J
ventricle.
aqueous: Lt. aqua = water hence watery or water-like
K
Arachnoid (a-RAK-noyd) the middle of 3 CT coverings (meninges) of
L
the brain and the SC. (Pia, Arachnoid & Dura from inner to outer layers)
arachnoid: adj.Gk. arachne = spider, and eidos = shape or form,
M
hence like a spiders web. This middle layer of the three
N
meninges is spread web-like over the brain.
arch- chief, first, beginning,
O
arcuate: Lt. arcuatum = curved or arched.
arcus: Lt. an arch, Lt. arcuatum = curved or arched area: a part
P
of a surface. Q
areola: Lt. small, open space.
Areolar (a-REE-o-lar) a type of CT with sparse protein fibers in the
R
matrix (loose CT). Also the tissue around the nipple
S
arm: the upper limb, between shoulder and elbow.
Arrector pili (ah-REK-tor PI-lee) muscle fibers attached to hair w/n the
T
skin.
U
arrector: Lt. adrectus = raised, hence, arrector pili = a hair-raising
muscle.
V
Arteriole (ar-TEER-ee-ol) a small tributary from a larger artery that
delivers blood to a capillary.
W
Artery (AR-ter-ee) a BV that carries blood away from the heart. X
artery: Lt. arteria (to take away)
arthrodesis: Lt. arthro = joint, desis = to stiffen, hence the fusion of
Y
a joint or the stiffening of a joint.
Z
© A. L. Neill 72
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