SIGMOID SINUS Meaning and
Definition
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The sigmoid sinus is a major venous structure located within the human skull and is an integral part of the venous system of the brain. It is a wide, S-shaped channel that runs horizontally within the inner skull, lying on either side of the skull's posterior region, above the mastoid bone and behind the ear. The sigmoid sinus receives the blood from smaller veins in the brain and relays it to the internal jugular vein, which carries the deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
The sigmoid sinus is specifically located in the lower part of the cranial cavity, extending from the petrous bone of the skull to the jugular bulb. Its S-shaped structure allows it to occupy a significant portion of the posterior cranial fossa. The sigmoid sinus is surrounded by protective layers, including the dura mater (a thick fibrous membrane) and arachnoid mater (a delicate membrane with a web-like texture).
This venous structure is functionally important as it helps to regulate the blood flow and drainage from the brain. Due to its proximity to other anatomical structures like the inner ear and certain cranial nerves, an informed understanding of the sigmoid sinus is crucial in preventing and diagnosing various medical conditions, including thrombosis (blood clot formation), infections, and tumors.
Common Misspellings for SIGMOID SINUS
- aigmoid sinus
- zigmoid sinus
- xigmoid sinus
- digmoid sinus
- eigmoid sinus
- wigmoid sinus
- sugmoid sinus
- sjgmoid sinus
- skgmoid sinus
- sogmoid sinus
- s9gmoid sinus
- s8gmoid sinus
- sifmoid sinus
- sivmoid sinus
- sibmoid sinus
- sihmoid sinus
- siymoid sinus
- sitmoid sinus
- signoid sinus
Etymology of SIGMOID SINUS
The word "sigmoid sinus" is composed of two parts:
1. Sigmoid: The term "sigmoid" originates from the Greek word "sigmoides", which itself comes from the combination of "sigma" (the Greek letter Σ) and "eidos" meaning "form" or "shape". The reference to the Greek letter Σ in this context is due to the sigmoid sinus being S-shaped or resembling the letter Σ.
2. Sinus: "Sinus" is a Latin word meaning "curve", "bend", or "hollow". It does not refer to the meaning of "sinus" in the context of nasal passages or sinuses, but rather denotes a channel or cavity structure.
So, the term "sigmoid sinus" refers to a curved or S-shaped channel or cavity in the human body. It is specifically used to describe one of the venous sinuses found in the brain.
Similar spelling words for SIGMOID SINUS
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