The phrase "rete venosum dorsale manus" refers to the vein network on the back of the hand. Its spelling may seem daunting to some, but it can be easily understood using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Rete" is pronounced /ˈreɪteɪ/. "Venosum" is pronounced /vɪˈnoʊsəm/. "Dorsale" is pronounced /ˈdɔːrseɪl/. Finally, "manus" is pronounced /ˈmeɪnəs/. So, when pronounced in full, the phrase sounds like "RAY-te VEE-noh-sum DOR-say-lee MA-nuhs".
The term "rete venosum dorsale manus" is used in anatomy and refers to a specific vascular structure located in the dorsal aspect of the hand. To provide a comprehensive definition, we can break down the term into its individual components.
"Rete" is a Latin word meaning "net." In anatomy, it often refers to a network of blood vessels or nerves that form a mesh-like pattern.
"Venosum" is the Latin adjective form of "vena," which means "vein." In the context of the human body, veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
"Dorsale" is another Latin word used in anatomy, meaning "dorsal" or "related to the back." It indicates the posterior aspect of a structure or body part.
"Manus" is a Latin word translating to "hand." In anatomy, it refers specifically to the upper extremity (limb) that consists of the forearm, wrist, and fingers.
Putting these terms together, "rete venosum dorsale manus" can be defined as a network of veins that forms a mesh-like pattern on the dorsal (back) aspect of the hand. The term denotes a specific vascular arrangement in this anatomical region, representing the interconnected veins responsible for draining deoxygenated blood away from the hand and towards the heart.
A network of veins on the dorsum of the hand emptying into the radial and the ulnar veins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.