The word "avalvular" is spelled with the letter combination "av" which is pronounced as /æv/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word means "lacking valves" and is often used in medical contexts, especially in relation to heart valves. The "a" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with a short /æ/ sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a long /u:/ sound, as in the word "new." The final syllable is pronounced with a short /ə/ sound.
Avalvular is an adjective that refers to the absence or lack of valves. Valves are structures found in different systems of the body that regulate the flow of fluids, control the direction of flow, and prevent backflow in specific channels or compartments. When something is described as avalvular, it implies that it does not possess these valve-like structures.
In the context of anatomy and physiology, avalvular can be used to describe certain conditions or defects where the normal valve mechanisms are missing or non-functional. For instance, avalvular heart disease refers to a medical condition where the heart lacks one or more valves, or the valves do not function properly. This can lead to impaired blood flow, reduced cardiac output, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Beyond the realm of medicine, avalvular can be applied to various other systems, such as mechanical or engineering contexts. In these cases, avalvular may describe a system, device, or machine that does not incorporate valves in its design or structure. It suggests that there is no apparatus or mechanism present to control or regulate the flow of fluids or substances within the system.
Overall, avalvular indicates the absence or deprivation of valves, highlighting a deficiency or abnormality in the normal functioning of the respective system.
Non-valvular, without valves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word avalvular is derived from the combination of the prefix a-, meaning without or not, and the root valvular. The root valvular comes from the Latin word valva, which means leaf of a folding or swing door or valve. Therefore, avalvular can be understood to mean without valves or lacking valves.