The surgical triangle is a term used in medical procedures, particularly in thyroid surgery. This involves a triangular area of the neck that is marked by the sternal notch, the trapezius muscle, and the midpoint of the thyroid cartilage. The word "surgical" is pronounced as /ˈsɜːrdʒɪkəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, while "triangle" is pronounced as /ˈtraɪæŋɡl/. The spelling of the term "surgical triangle" is based on the English language phonetic pronunciation of the word "surgical".
The term "surgical triangle" refers to an anatomical concept used in surgical procedures to identify and access specific regions of the human body with precision. It typically denotes an imaginary triangular area that defines the optimal location for surgical incisions or penetrations during specific operations. The choice of this location is crucial as it helps surgeons navigate safely through layers of tissue and reach targeted structures effectively.
The boundaries of the surgical triangle are often determined by anatomical landmarks or structures that are easily identifiable. These landmarks can be bones, muscles, or other distinct anatomical features. Surgeons use their knowledge of human anatomy and experience to locate the best entry point, avoiding vital structures and minimizing potential damage or complications during the procedure.
The surgical triangle's size and position may vary depending on the specific surgical procedure and the area of the body being operated on. Surgical triangles can be found in various regions of the body, such as the neck, abdomen, pelvis, or extremities.
Overall, the surgical triangle concept helps surgeons plan and execute procedures more efficiently and safely. By selecting the appropriate entry point within this defined triangular area, surgeons minimize the risk of injury to critical structures, enhance surgical precision, and optimize patient outcomes.
See triangle (2).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "surgical triangle" does not have a distinct etymology as it is a compound noun formed by combining the words "surgical" and "triangle".
The word "surgical" comes from the Latin word "surgicalis", which means "pertaining to surgery". It is derived from the Latin word "surgere", meaning "to rise" or "to get up".
The word "triangle" comes from the Latin word "triangulum", which means "a three-angle figure". It is derived from the Latin words "tri-" meaning "three" and "angulus" meaning "angle".
When combined, "surgical triangle" refers to a specific anatomical structure or a region in surgery that is shaped like a triangular area. However, the term itself does not have a specific etymology beyond the origins of the individual words it is composed of.