Fornix

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Fornix (Anatomy)

Fornix (pronunciation: /ˈfɔːrnɪks/) is a term used in anatomy to describe certain arch-like structures. The term is derived from the Latin word "fornix" which means "arch".

Etymology

The term "fornix" is derived from Latin, where it was used to describe an arch or a vault. In anatomy, the term is used to describe structures that have a similar arch-like shape.

Anatomy

In the human body, there are several structures referred to as a fornix. These include:

  • Fornix of brain: This is a bundle of nerve fibers in the brain that carries signals from the hippocampus to the mammillary bodies and then to the anterior nuclei of thalamus. It plays a crucial role in memory processing.
  • Fornix of eye: This is a loose, crescent-shaped fold of conjunctiva located in the upper and lower eyelids. It helps in the movement of the eye and also serves as a reservoir for tears.
  • Fornix of vagina: This is the upper portion of the vagina that forms a "vault" around the cervix. It is divided into anterior and posterior parts.

Related Terms

  • Hippocampus: A part of the brain that plays a crucial role in memory processing. It is connected to the fornix of the brain.
  • Mammillary bodies: These are a pair of small round bodies, located on the undersurface of the brain that form part of the limbic system. They are connected to the hippocampus via the fornix.
  • Anterior nuclei of thalamus: These are a group of nuclei (clusters of neurons) in the thalamus of the brain. They receive signals from the mammillary bodies via the fornix.
  • Conjunctiva: This is a thin, clear tissue that covers the front part of the eye and the inner part of the eyelids. The fornix of the eye is a part of the conjunctiva.
  • Cervix: This is the lower part of the uterus in the human female reproductive system. The fornix of the vagina surrounds the cervix.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski