The word "interatrial" describes something that occurs between the atria, which are the upper chambers of the heart. It is spelled with the prefix "inter-" meaning "between," followed by the root word "atrial," referring to the atria. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ɪn.tə.ˈreɪ.ʃəl/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as in "interesting," and the "t" sound is inserted between the "n" and "t" to make it easier to say.
Interatrial refers to the space or structure located between the atria of the heart. The term originates from the Latin words "inter," meaning between, and "atrium," referring to the upper chambers of the heart.
In human anatomy, the heart is divided into four chambers: two atria (left and right) and two ventricles (left and right). The interatrial region, therefore, pertains to the area between these two atria. It consists of various anatomical structures that aid in the efficient functioning and coordination of the heart's pumping action.
One crucial structure found in the interatrial region is the interatrial septum. This wall or partition separates the left and right atria, preventing the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Another significant element is the oval fossa, also known as the fossa ovalis or foramen ovale, which is a remnant of the fetal circulation. This small opening in the interatrial septum allows blood to flow directly from the right atrium to the left atrium during fetal development, bypassing the non-functional lungs.
Understanding the interatrial region is vital for diagnosing and treating various heart conditions, such as atrial septal defects (ASDs). These are abnormalities in the interatrial septum that lead to abnormal blood flow between the atria. Furthermore, it is through this area that medical interventions, such as catheter-based therapies, can be performed to correct certain structural heart defects.
Between the atria of the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "interatrial" is derived from the Latin roots "inter", meaning between, and "atrium", meaning chamber or hall. In medical terminology, "interatrial" refers to something pertaining to the space or structures located between the atria of the heart.