Fissura dentata is a term used in dentistry to describe the grooves found on the chewing surfaces of teeth. The spelling of this term can be challenging for non-Latin language speakers. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /fɪsjuːrə dɛnteɪtə/. The /r/ sound is pronounced with a rolling sound, and the /t/ and /d/ sounds are pronounced with the tip of the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. The word's root, "fissura," is derived from the Latin word for "crack," while "dentata" means "toothed."
Fissura dentata is a term derived from the Latin words "fissura" and "dentata", meaning "cleft" and "toothed" respectively. In anatomy, fissura dentata refers to a distinct feature found in the central region of the cerebellum, also known as the vermis. It is believed to comprise an exceptionally deep, narrow, and transverse fissure that penetrates the cerebellar cortex, appearing as a series of closely spaced, parallel ridges.
The fissura dentata is an important anatomical landmark within the cerebellum, acting as a natural boundary that divides the anterior and posterior lobes of the cerebellar vermis. It is internally covered with folia, which are the thin, leaf-like structures responsible for increased surface area and the characteristic ridges observed within the fissura dentata. These ridges, known as dentate processes, project into the deep fissure and provide structural support.
Functionally, the fissura dentata is believed to play a critical role in the coordination of motor functions and the regulation of voluntary movements, as well as in the integration of sensory inputs. Its complex structure, with the dentate processes and folia, allows for increased neuronal connectivity within the cerebellum, facilitating the processing and integration of information related to motor control, balance, and coordination.
In summary, fissura dentata refers to a deep and narrow fissure within the cerebellar vermis that separates the anterior and posterior lobes. It is characterized by parallel ridges called dentate processes, which contribute to the functional connectivity and processing of motor-related information within the cerebellum.
Dentate fissure, f. hippocampi.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "fissura dentata" has Latin roots.
- "Fissura" is derived from the Latin verb "findere", which means "to split" or "to cleave".
- "Dentata" comes from the Latin noun "dens" or "dentis", which means "tooth" or "teeth".
Therefore, "fissura dentata" can be translated as "tooth fissure" or "tooth crack" in English. This term is commonly used in Anatomy to refer to certain fissures or grooves on the surface of the brain.