APICAL FORAMEN Meaning and
Definition
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The apical foramen is a term used in dental and endodontic anatomy to describe a small opening or hole located at the apex (tip) of a tooth's root. It is also known as the apical opening or apical constriction. This foramen serves as the entry point for nerves and blood vessels into the tooth's pulp cavity, which is the innermost part of the tooth containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
The apical foramen plays a crucial role in endodontic treatment, such as root canal therapy. During this procedure, the dentist or endodontist locates the apical foramen to gain access to the infected root canal system. It is important to accurately identify this opening to effectively clean and shape the root canal system, remove any infected tissue, and seal the canals to prevent reinfection.
The size and shape of the apical foramen vary among individuals and can even differ between teeth. It is typically quite small, ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 millimeters in diameter. A thorough understanding of the apical foramen's anatomy is essential for successful endodontic treatment, as inadequate cleaning or obturation (filling) of the root canal system may result in persistent infection or treatment failure.
In summary, the apical foramen refers to a small opening located at the tip of a tooth's root, providing access for nerves and blood vessels into the pulp cavity. It is a critical anatomical structure in endodontic procedures and should be accurately located to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
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• The opening at the apex of a tooth giving passage to the blood-vessels and nerve.
• The opening at the apex of the root of a tooth which gives passage to the nerve and blood-vessels.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for APICAL FORAMEN
- zpical foramen
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- apucal foramen
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Etymology of APICAL FORAMEN
The word "apical" derives from the Latin word "apex", meaning "tip" or "summit". In anatomy, it refers to the tip or end of a structure. The term "foramen" comes from the Latin word "foramen", which means "hole" or "opening". Therefore, the word "apical foramen" refers to a hole or opening at the tip or apex of a structure within the context of anatomy, typically referring to the opening at the apex of the root of a tooth.
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