The term "recessus piriformis" refers to a narrow triangular space found within the temporal bone of the skull. Its spelling can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /rɪˈsɛsəs pɪrɪˈfɔrmɪs/. The first part, "recessus," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the "s" sound, and a soft "u" sound before the accent falls on the second syllable. "Piriformis" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by "pir" with a short "i" sound, and "form" with a short "o" sound.
Recessus piriformis is a term used in anatomical and medical contexts to refer to a specific anatomical recess or space within the human body. The term is derived from Latin, with "recessus" meaning "recess" or "cavity" and "piriformis" indicating its shape resembling a pear (pirum in Latin).
The recessus piriformis is located in the bony structure of the pelvis, specifically in the region known as the acetabulum or hip socket. It is a small, triangular-shaped hollow area that lies just above the femoral head, which is the ball-shaped portion of the thigh bone (femur) that fits into the socket. The recessus piriformis is situated between the labrum, a fibrocartilaginous rim that lines the acetabulum, and the ligament of the head of the femur.
This anatomical recess is important for its role in providing stability to the hip joint and facilitating smooth movement of the femoral head within the socket during various activities like walking, running, or jumping. It also serves as a point of attachment for various surrounding ligaments and tendons that help support the hip joint.
Understanding the location and structure of the recessus piriformis is crucial for healthcare professionals such as orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and radiologists when diagnosing and treating conditions related to the hip joint.
Sinus piriformis, one of two deep lateral depressions in the wall of the laryngeal portion of the pharynx on either side, corresponding to the space between the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages internally and the thyroid cartilage externally.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "recessus piriformis" has its etymology rooted in Latin and consists of two parts:
1. Recessus: The Latin word "recessus" translates to "a withdrawing" or "a remote place". It is derived from the verb "recedere", meaning "to retreat" or "to withdraw". In anatomy, the term "recessus" is used to describe a cavity or a hollow space.
2. Piriformis: The word "piriformis" is also derived from Latin and is composed of two terms – "pirum" and "forma". "Pirum" means "pear", and "forma" means "shape" or "form". Hence, "piriformis" can be translated as "pear-shaped".