LIGAMENTUM VENOSUM Meaning and
Definition
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The ligamentum venosum is a term used in anatomy to describe a fibrous cord found in the human body. It is a vestigial structure that is the remnant of a fetal blood vessel known as the ductus venosus, which served a vital function during fetal development.
Specifically, the ligamentum venosum is located in the liver and represents the adult form of the ductus venosus. It connects the left branch of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava. In the developing fetus, the ductus venosus bypasses the liver and allows oxygenated blood from the placenta to enter directly into the fetal circulation, providing essential nutrients and oxygen. This contributes to the proper development and growth of the fetus.
However, following birth, the function of the ductus venosus becomes unnecessary as the placental circulation is no longer needed. Consequently, the ductus venosus closes off and becomes fibrous, resulting in the formation of the ligamentum venosum.
The ligamentum venosum serves as an anatomical landmark in medical and surgical fields. It is important for clinicians to have a thorough understanding of the ligamentum venosum's location and structure, as it can help in identifying and navigating other structures within the liver during various procedures such as liver resection or transplantation.
In summary, the ligamentum venosum is a fibrous remnant of the ductus venosus found in the liver, which serves as an important landmark for healthcare professionals during medical interventions involving the liver.
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Ligament of Arantius, a thin fibrous cord, lying in the fossa ductus venosi, the remains of the ductus venosus of the fetus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LIGAMENTUM VENOSUM
- l igamentum venosum
- li gamentum venosum
- lig amentum venosum
- liga mentum venosum
- ligam entum venosum
- ligame ntum venosum
- ligamen tum venosum
- ligament um venosum
- ligamentu m venosum
- ligamentum v enosum
- ligamentum ve nosum
- ligamentum ven osum
- ligamentum veno sum
- ligamentum venos um
- ligamentum venosu m
Etymology of LIGAMENTUM VENOSUM
The word "ligamentum venosum" has Latin origins.
- "Ligamentum" is derived from the Latin word "ligare", meaning "to tie or bind". In anatomy, a ligament refers to a band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds organs in place.
- "Venosum" comes from the Latin word "vena", which means "vein". This term specifies that the structure being referred to relates to veins.
When combined, the term "ligamentum venosum" can be translated as the "veinous ligament" or "ligament of veins". This anatomical structure is a remnant of a fetal vessel called the ductus venosus, which connects the umbilical vein and inferior vena cava during embryonic development.
