DORSAL Meaning and
Definition
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Dorsal refers to the anatomical location or position that is situated toward the back or upper side of an organism. This term is commonly used in biology, anatomy, and zoology, and it is derived from the Latin word "dorsum," meaning "back." Dorsal is the opposite of ventral, which relates to the location or position situated toward the belly or underside of an organism.
In vertebrate animals, including humans, the dorsal side is often associated with the back or the upper region of the body. For instance, the dorsal fin of a fish is located along its back, while in humans, the spinal cord is situated in the dorsal cavity of the vertebral column. In addition, the dorsal structure of the hand refers to the upper surface, opposite to the palm.
In zoology and comparative anatomy, dorsal is frequently used to describe the position of certain structures or body parts on the back of an animal. For example, the dorsal side of a lobster's body is covered by a hard exoskeleton, while the dorsal fin of a dolphin is a prominent feature that assists with stability and movement in water.
The term dorsal can also encompass abstract concepts, such as dorsal roots in the nervous system, dorsal surface tension in physics, or dorsal surfaces in botany. In summary, dorsal primarily pertains to the back or upper side of an organism and is used to describe various anatomical structures and positions found in both humans and animals.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Pert. to the back, as the dorsal fin of a fish.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Other Common Misspellings for DORSAL
Etymology of DORSAL
The word "dorsal" comes from the Latin term "dorsalis", which is derived from the Latin noun "dorsum", meaning "back". In anatomical terms, "dorsal" refers to the back or upper side of an animal or structure. The term is commonly used in biology and zoology to describe the upper side of an organism, particularly the back of an animal.
Similar spelling words for DORSAL
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