DUCTUS SEMICIRCULARIS Meaning and
Definition
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The ductus semicircularis is a term commonly used in anatomy and physiology to describe a specific anatomical structure within the inner ear of vertebrate animals, including humans. It refers to a set of three semicircular canals found in each ear.
These canals are small, fluid-filled tubes that are oriented perpendicular to each other and are responsible for detecting rotational movements of the head. They play a crucial role in the maintenance of balance and coordination. Each semicircular canal is named based on its orientation in space: the horizontal canal, the superior canal, and the posterior canal.
The ductus semicircularis is lined with sensory receptors called hair cells, which are responsible for converting mechanical stimuli into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. When the head moves, the fluid within the canals also moves, causing the hair cells to bend. This bending triggers the release of neurotransmitters, sending signals through the vestibular nerve to the brain, providing information about the position and movement of the head.
Any disruption or damage to the ductus semicircularis can lead to balance problems and issues with coordination, such as dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty maintaining an upright posture. Disorders of the semicircular canals can also occur due to infections, trauma, or certain medical conditions. Understanding the ductus semicircularis is crucial for diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, as well as for studying the intricate functioning of the inner ear and its role in balance and spatial orientation.
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Semicircular duct, one of three membranous tubes, superior, lateral, and posterior, contained in, but only partly filling, the three semicircular canals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DUCTUS SEMICIRCULARIS
- d uctus semicircularis
- du ctus semicircularis
- duc tus semicircularis
- duct us semicircularis
- ductu s semicircularis
- ductus s emicircularis
- ductus se micircularis
- ductus sem icircularis
- ductus semi circularis
- ductus semic ircularis
- ductus semici rcularis
- ductus semicir cularis
- ductus semicirc ularis
- ductus semicircu laris
- ductus semicircul aris
- ductus semicircula ris
- ductus semicircular is
- ductus semicirculari s
Etymology of DUCTUS SEMICIRCULARIS
The word ductus semicircularis is derived from Latin. Here is the breakdown:
1. Ductus: This is the Latin word for duct or conduit. It comes from the verb ducere, which means to lead or to guide. In this context, ducted refers to the canal or tube-like structure through which a fluid or substance passes.
2. Semicircularis: This term is derived from the Latin words semi meaning half and circulus meaning circle. It refers to the shape of the structure, which is semi-circular. In this case, it specifically refers to the semicircular canals of the inner ear.
So, when combined, ductus semicircularis translates to a semicircular duct or duct of the semicircular canals.
