The spelling of the word "meatal spine" may seem a bit confusing at first glance. The word "meatal" refers to the opening of a body cavity, while "spine" refers to a pointed, narrow projection. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "meatal" is /ˈmiːtəl/ and the pronunciation of "spine" is /spaɪn/. Together, the word is pronounced /ˈmiːtəl ˈspaɪn/. This term is used in medical terminology to refer to a bony projection found in the inner ear.
A "meatal spine" refers to a small, bony projection or ridge located near an opening or passage called the meatus. The meatus generally refers to a natural body opening or a canal, such as the external auditory meatus in the ear or the urethral meatus in the urinary system.
The meatal spine can be found adjacent to these openings and serves various purposes depending on its location. In the context of the external auditory meatus, the meatal spine is a small bony protuberance that can be felt or seen inside the ear canal. It acts as a landmark during ear examinations and helps clinicians locate specific structures for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
In the urethral meatus, the meatal spine is a ridge or prominence that surrounds the opening. It serves as an anatomical landmark and can vary in size and prominence between individuals. In some cases, an enlarged or hypertrophic meatal spine can contribute to urinary symptoms or cause discomfort during urination.
Overall, a meatal spine can be defined as a small bone projection or ridge found near a body opening, such as the external auditory meatus or the urethral meatus. Its main function is to serve as a landmark or reference point during medical examinations or procedures involving these specific body openings.
Henle's spine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "meatal" comes from the Latin word "meatus", which means "a passage or opening". The suffix "-al" is added to indicate that it is an adjective form.
The word "spine" comes from the Latin word "spina", which means "a thorn or spine".
Therefore, the term "meatal spine" likely derives from the combination of the Latin word "meatus" referring to a passage or opening and "spina" meaning a thorn or spine. It would likely be used to describe a thorn-like structure or projection found in or near an opening or passage.