How Do You Spell CLOACA OF WILLIS?

Pronunciation: [klˈə͡ʊkəɹ ɒv wˈɪlis] (IPA)

The cloaca of Willis, also known as the cerebral arterial circle or circle of Willis, is a ring of arteries in the brain that supplies blood to the brain and its surrounding structures. The word "cloaca" is pronounced as /kloʊˈeɪkə/, with stress on the second syllable, while "Willis" is pronounced as /ˈwɪlɪs/. The word "cloaca" comes from the Latin word for "sewer," and it refers to the common chamber that drains fluids from the body. The spelling of "Willis" comes from its Old English roots, meaning "son of William."

CLOACA OF WILLIS Meaning and Definition

1. The "cloaca of Willis" is a term used in anatomy to refer to a vascular structure located at the base of the brain. Specifically, it describes a part of the circle of Willis, which is a polygonal arrangement of arteries that supplies blood to the brain.

   The cloaca of Willis is a central junction point within the circle of Willis, where two important arteries, the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and the middle cerebral artery (MCA), converge to form a single blood vessel. It is named after the ancient Roman anatomist Thomas Willis, who first described this arterial structure.

   This confluence of arteries within the cloaca of Willis is crucial in maintaining adequate blood supply to different regions of the brain. It allows for collateral blood flow, meaning that if one of the primary arteries supplying a specific area of the brain becomes obstructed or compromised, blood can be rerouted through the cloaca and other vessels to ensure continued perfusion.

   The cloaca of Willis is an important anatomical feature that helps protect the brain from ischemic damage (lack of blood supply) in the event of an arterial blockage or narrowing. Knowledge of this structure and its function is essential in understanding the vascular supply to the brain and diagnosing and treating conditions such as strokes and aneurysms that affect the circle of Willis.

2. The belief sometimes held by neurotics or children that a child is born as a stool is passed, from a common opening.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

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