CIRCULUS ARTERIOSUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "circulus arteriosus" refers to a specific anatomical structure found in some mammals, including humans, known as the circle of Willis. The circle of Willis is a circular arrangement of interconnected blood vessels located at the base of the brain.
The circulus arteriosus consists of a series of arteries that connect the two major arterial systems supplying blood to the brain: the carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries. It is arranged in such a way that it forms a complete circle, providing a redundant blood supply to the brain and serving as a backup system in case of occlusion or blockage in any of the individual vessels.
The circulus arteriosus includes several key arterial branches, such as the posterior cerebral arteries, anterior cerebral arteries, middle cerebral arteries, and the posterior communicating arteries. These arteries connect the carotid and vertebral systems and allow for the distribution of oxygenated blood to the various regions of the brain.
The circulus arteriosus plays a vital role in maintaining proper blood flow and preventing ischemia, a condition characterized by inadequate blood supply to the brain. By providing alternate pathways for blood circulation, the circulus arteriosus helps ensure a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue, despite potential blockages or obstructions.
The significance of the circulus arteriosus lies in its ability to prevent catastrophic events such as stroke or brain damage by maintaining an uninterrupted blood supply to the brain.
Common Misspellings for CIRCULUS ARTERIOSUS
- Circulus arterious
- Circularus arteriosus
- Circus arteriosus
- Circulur arterisus
- Circulus arteriaus
- Circlos arteriosus
- Cirkulus arteriosus
Etymology of CIRCULUS ARTERIOSUS
The term "circulus arteriosus" is derived from Latin.
- "Circulus" comes from the Latin word "circulus", meaning "a circle" or "a circular figure".
- "Arteriosus" is derived from the Latin word "arteria", which means "artery". The suffix "-osus" is added to mean "pertaining to" or "full of".
Therefore, "circulus arteriosus" refers to a circular structure or loop formed by arteries. This term is commonly used to describe specific anatomical features in the human body, such as the "circulus arteriosus cerebri" (circle of Willis), which is a circular connection of arteries in the brain.
