MEATUS Meaning and
Definition
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Meatus is a medical term derived from the Latin word "meare," meaning "to pass through." It refers to a naturally occurring passage or opening in the body that allows the movement of various substances or facilitates the exchange of fluids. Meatuses are found in different anatomical structures in humans and animals.
In human anatomy, the term is commonly used to describe specific body openings, such as the external acoustic meatus, which is the passage leading from the outer ear to the eardrum. This meatus allows sound waves to travel to the middle ear, enabling the individual to hear external sounds. Another well-known example is the urethral meatus, which is the external opening of the urethra in both males and females. This meatus serves as the exit point for urine during urination.
Meatuses can also be found in other mammals, such as the nasal meatuses in the nasal cavity. These openings divide the nasal cavity into separate passages, increasing the surface area for the warming, humidification, and filtering of inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. Similarly, in certain birds, fish, and reptiles, meatuses are present to aid in respiration, reproduction, or communication.
Overall, meatuses are essential anatomical structures that play a vital role in the normal functioning of different bodily systems by allowing the passage of fluid, substances, or facilitating specific physiological processes.
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A passage or channel, especially the external opening of a canal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In anat., a natural passage or canal wider than a duct.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MEATUS
Etymology of MEATUS
The word "meatus" has Latin origins. It is derived from the Latin verb "meare", meaning "to go" or "to pass". "Meatus" itself is the singular form of the Latin noun "meatus", which translates to "a passage" or "a way of going". In English, "meatus" is primarily used in medical terminology to refer to various anatomical passages or openings, such as the auditory meatus (ear canal) or the urethral meatus (external opening of the urethra).
Similar spelling words for MEATUS
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