Metasternal is a term used in anatomy to describe the area situated on the breastbone or sternum. The word is made up of two parts: meta- meaning 'after' or 'beyond', and sternal which refers to the sternum. The spelling of the word is straightforward, with each syllable pronounced as expected. It is pronounced /mɛtəˈstɜːrnəl/, with the stress being placed on the second syllable. The accurate spelling of the word is important in medical fields to ensure clear communication and understanding between healthcare professionals.
Metasternal refers to something related to or located in the metasternum. The term metasternum is primarily used in the field of entomology, specifically in the description of the anatomy of insects.
The metasternum is a part of an insect's thorax, which is the middle section of its body. It is a square or triangular plate that lies ventrally, meaning on the underside, between the middle and hind pair of legs. The metasternum is connected to the prothorax and mesothorax, which are the anterior and middle parts of the thorax, respectively.
In terms of its structure, the metasternum often consists of a pair of transverse plates. These plates can vary in shape and size between insect species and are typically covered in setae, which are small hairs or bristles. The metasternum serves as a support structure for the legs, aiding in locomotion and providing stability and flexibility to an insect's movement.
In summary, metasternal is an adjective that pertains to the metasternum, an anatomical structure found in the thorax of insects. It describes anything related to or located in this region, specifically its shape, arrangement, and function related to leg support and locomotion.
The word "metasternal" is derived from two Greek roots: "meta" meaning "beyond" or "after", and "sternon" meaning "the breastbone" or "the chest". In medical terminology, "meta-" often indicates a position or condition that is subsequent to or beyond another part or condition. Therefore, "metasternal" refers to something located or pertaining to a region beyond or behind the sternum or breastbone.