PECTUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Pectus is a Latin word that is primarily used in the medical field to refer to the chest or thorax. It specifically denotes the bony structure or skeletal framework of the chest cavity. In anatomical terms, the pectus encompasses the sternum, ribs, and associated connective tissues that form the protective enclosure around vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
When used in a medical context, pectus is often seen in compound terms, giving rise to conditions such as pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Pectus excavatum, commonly referred to as sunken or funnel chest, is a congenital disorder where the sternum and rib cage grow abnormally, causing a depressed appearance in the middle of the chest. Conversely, pectus carinatum, known as pigeon chest, describes a condition where the breastbone protrudes outwards, creating a convex or rounded appearance of the chest.
While pectus primarily pertains to describing the physical structure of the chest, it is worth noting that the term can also be used metaphorically to depict the emotional, psychological, or metaphorical aspects related to the innermost feelings housed within the human heart. This figurative usage suggests a more abstract understanding of pectus, beyond its purely anatomical definition.
-
The thorax, the chest; especially the anterior wall, the breast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PECTUS
- oectus
- 0ectus
- pwctus
- psctus
- pdctus
- prctus
- p4ctus
- p3ctus
- pextus
- pevtus
- peftus
- pedtus
- pecrus
- pecfus
- pecgus
- pecyus
- pec6us
- pec5us
- pectys
Etymology of PECTUS
The word pectus is derived from Latin. It comes from the Latin noun pectus meaning breast or chest.
Similar spelling words for PECTUS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
