The spelling of the term "pars perpendicularis" can be explained through its pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "pars," is pronounced /pɑːz/, with the "a" sound as in "father" and the "z" at the end. The second word, "perpendicularis," is pronounced /pəˌpɛndɪˈkjʊlərɪs/ with the stress on the second to last syllable. This word is made up of the roots "per-" meaning "through" and "pendiculus" meaning "hanging down," referring to a perpendicular line hanging down from a point.
Pars perpendicularis is a Latin term that translates to "perpendicular part" in English. It is commonly used in anatomical descriptions to refer to a specific structure or portion of an organ or body part that is oriented in a perpendicular or nearly perpendicular direction to the main axis or plane of the structure.
In anatomy, the term pars perpendicularis is frequently used to describe various structures. For instance, in the context of the skull, pars perpendicularis refers to the vertical part of the ethmoid bone, which separates the nasal cavity into two partitions and contributes to the formation of the nasal septum. This portion of the ethmoid bone is positioned perpendicular to the rest of the bone.
Similarly, in dental anatomy, pars perpendicularis denotes the vertical or upright portion of the maxillary or mandibular molars, which extends in a perpendicular direction from the occlusal or chewing surface of the tooth.
In a broader sense, pars perpendicularis can also describe any component or segment that is arranged at a right angle or perpendicular to a primary structure or reference frame, regardless of its anatomical or biological nature.
Overall, the term pars perpendicularis serves as a useful anatomical descriptor to specify particular sections or elements that are oriented perpendicularly in relationship to the whole or main structure.
Perpendicular part, or vertical plate, of the palate bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "pars perpendicularis" is derived from Latin. Here's the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Pars: In Latin, "pars" means "part", "portion", or "piece". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *per- which carries the meaning of "to give birth", "to bring forth", or "to produce".
2. Perpendicularis: This word is formed by combining two Latin words. "Per" means "through" or "thoroughly", and "pendere" means "to hang" or "to weigh". When these two words come together, "perpendicularis" is formed, which means "hanging or suspended straight down". In terms of geometry, it refers to a line or surface that is at a right angle to another line or surface.