The spelling of "fissura sphenopetrosa" is derived from the Latin and Greek roots for "fissure", "sphenoid", and "petrous". The correct IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈfɪsərə sfinoʊpɛtrəsə/. The first and last syllables are pronounced with a short "i" sound, while the middle syllables have long vowel sounds. The stress is on the second syllable (sphino-). The word refers to a fissure located between the sphenoid and petrous portions of the temporal bone in the skull.
The term "fissura sphenopetrosa" refers to a specific anatomical structure found in the human skull and can be defined as follows:
Fissura sphenopetrosa, also known as the sphenopetrosal fissure or fissure of Glaser, is an anatomical fissure or groove located within the skull. It is formed at the junction of two important bones of the cranium, namely the sphenoid bone and the petrous part of the temporal bone. The sphenoid bone is a butterfly-shaped bone situated at the base of the skull, while the petrous part of the temporal bone forms the lower, thick, and pyramid-like portion of the temporal bone.
The fissura sphenopetrosa runs horizontally and posteriorly, extending from the base of the skull towards its lateral aspect. It separates the greater wing of the sphenoid bone from the petrous part of the temporal bone and serves as a passageway for various important structures, including nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
This fissure acts as a pathway for the middle meningeal artery, which is a crucial blood vessel that supplies the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain. Additionally, it also allows passage for the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, one of the major cranial nerves responsible for sensation in the face and motor control of the muscles involved in chewing.
In summary, the fissura sphenopetrosa is an anatomical fissure located at the junction of the sphenoid bone and the petrous part of the temporal bone. It serves as a conduit for important blood vessels and nerves, contributing to the overall function and innervation of the skull.
A narrow fissure between the under surface of the great wing of the sphenoid and the petrous portion of the temporal bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "fissura sphenopetrosa" is Latin and has roots in medical terminology. Here is a breakdown of its etymology:
1. Fissura: This word comes from the Latin term "fissura" which means "a split" or "a cleft". It is derived from the verb "findere", meaning "to split".
2. Spheno-: The prefix "spheno-" is derived from the Greek word "sphēn", meaning "wedge". It is commonly used in anatomical terms to refer to structures related to the sphenoid bone.
3. Petrosa: This word comes from the Latin term "petrosus" which means "bony" or "hard". It is derived from the noun "petra", meaning "rock" or "stone".