SEGMENTAL DUCT Meaning and
Definition
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A segmental duct refers to a small, tube-like structure found in various systems of the body that functions to transport substances from one location to another within segmented compartments or regions. The term "segmental" indicates that the duct is divided into distinct sections or segments that are separated from one another.
In anatomy, a segmental duct is specifically used to describe the small ducts found in the kidneys, pancreas, and reproductive organs. In the kidneys, segmental ducts are responsible for collecting urine from several nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidneys that filter blood and produce urine. These ducts then converge and join together to form larger excretory ducts that ultimately carry the urine out of the kidneys.
In the pancreas, segmental ducts play a role in the transport of digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. These ducts connect the smaller pancreatic ducts, which originate from individual acini (clusters of exocrine cells that secrete digestive enzymes), and merge to form the main pancreatic duct, which delivers the enzymes to the duodenum for further digestion of food.
Similarly, in the reproductive organs, segmental ducts are involved in the transport of gametes (sperm or eggs) in males and females. In males, segmental ducts called the efferent ductules collect sperm from the testes and transport them to the epididymis, where further maturation and storage occur. In females, segmental ducts known as Müllerian ducts form the basis for the development of the female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the upper part of the vagina.
Overall, segmental ducts are crucial in facilitating the transport of various substances
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One of two ducts in the embryo leading into the cloaca.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SEGMENTAL DUCT
- segmental duat
- segmental dubt
- segmental duc4
- segmental ducd
- segmental ducp
- segmental ducv
- segmental ducu
- s egmental duct
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- segmental duc t
Etymology of SEGMENTAL DUCT
The word "segmental" comes from the Latin word "segmentum", meaning "a piece or section". It is derived from the verb "secare", which means "to cut". In biology and anatomy, "segmental" refers to being divided into distinct segments or sections.
The word "duct" originated from the Latin word "ductus", which means "a channel, a conduit". It is derived from the verb "ducere", meaning "to lead or to bring". In anatomy, a duct refers to a passage or tube that carries a fluid or secretion.
Therefore, the term "segmental duct" combines the two words to describe a duct that is divided into distinct segments or sections.
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