Spina meatus is a medical term used to refer to a bony projection located in the ear canal. The word is spelled using the Latin spelling system which refers to the use of diacritic symbols to indicate pronunciation. In IPA, it is spelled as /ˈspɪnə mɪeɪtəs/. The word spina means spine, and meatus means passage or channel. Together, they refer to a small bony projection in the ear canal that helps to channel sound to the inner ear.
Spina meatus is a Latin term used in anatomical and medical contexts to refer to a bony projection or ridge found within a passageway or canal in the body. Specifically, it is most commonly used to describe anatomical structures within the auditory or ear canal.
In the context of the ear, the spina meatus refers to a small, bony ridge or prominence found along the canal walls. This ridge is usually located near the entrance of the meatus, which is the outer, visible portion of the ear. The spina meatus can sometimes be felt by gently probing around the outer ear or by using a tool, such as an otoscope, to visualize the internal structures.
This bony ridge serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides a certain degree of protection to the delicate structures within the ear canal, such as the tympanic membrane or eardrum. It can also help in directing sound waves towards the middle ear, enhancing the efficiency of the hearing process. Additionally, the spina meatus can act as a landmark for medical professionals during procedures or surgeries involving the ear, providing reference points for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Overall, the spina meatus is an important anatomical structure in the ear canal that plays a role in protecting and enhancing the function of the auditory system.
Henle's spine, spina supra meatum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "spina meatus" is a Latin phrase used in anatomy to refer to the pointed ridge found in the wall of certain canals or passages.
The word "spina" in Latin means "thorn" or "spine", which conveys the appearance of a pointed structure. It is also used to refer to a ridge or projection.
The term "meatus" in Latin means "passage" or "channel". It is derived from the verb "meare", which means "to go" or "to pass".
Therefore, when combined, "spina meatus" roughly translates to "pointed ridge in a passage". It describes the anatomical structure of a ridge or prominent feature within a canal or passage of the body.