The term "canalis facialis" is a medical term that denotes a facial nerve canal. The spelling of the word can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /kəˈnɑːlɪs fəˈʃiːəlɪs/, with stress on the second syllable. The first part "canalis" comes from the Latin root "canal" which refers to a tube-like structure. The second part "facialis" comes from "facies" meaning face. Together, they denote a structure that carries the facial nerve, which is responsible for facial expression and sensation.
The term "canalis facialis" refers to a specific anatomical structure within the human body. It is a Latin term that can be translated into English as the "facial canal" or "facial nerve canal." The canalis facialis is a narrow and bony passage that exists within the temporal bone of the skull.
This canal serves a crucial role in housing and protecting the facial nerve, which is the seventh cranial nerve responsible for controlling various facial muscles, as well as transmitting sensory information from the tongue. The facial nerve is vital for facial expressions, taste sensation, and the function of glands such as the salivary and lacrimal glands.
The canalis facialis starts at the internal auditory meatus, an opening in the petrous part of the temporal bone, and travels through various segments of the temporal bone before exiting through the stylomastoid foramen to innervate the facial muscles. It is approximately 3-4 centimeters in length.
Damage or compression of the facial nerve within the canalis facialis can lead to facial paralysis, loss of taste sensation, difficulty closing the eye, drooping of the mouth, and other related symptoms. Understanding the anatomy and function of the canalis facialis is of utmost importance for medical professionals, particularly in the fields of otolaryngology and neurology, who deal with the diagnosis and treatment of facial nerve disorders.
Facial canal, aqueduct of Fallopins, a canal from the superior surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone to the under surface at the stylomastoid foramen, curving over the cavity of the tympanum; it gives passage to the facial nerve.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word canalis facialis derives from Latin.
- Canalis comes from the Latin noun canalis, meaning pipe or channel.
- Facialis originates from the Latin word facies, which refers to the face or countenance.
Therefore, canalis facialis can be translated as facial canal or channel of the face.