How Do You Spell TAPETUM ALVEOLI?

Pronunciation: [tˈapɛtəm ˈalvɪˌɒli] (IPA)

Tapetum alveoli is a scientific term used in the field of zoology to refer to the tissue at the inner surface of the alveoli of the lungs. The phonetic transcription of the word is /təˈpiːtəm ˌælviˈoʊlaɪ/. The word tapetum derives from the Latin word "tapestry" and alveoli means "small cavities." The correct spelling of this word is important for effective communication in the scientific community. Understanding the IPA phonetic transcription assists with pronunciation and ultimately helps prevent confusion.

TAPETUM ALVEOLI Meaning and Definition

1. The tapetum alveoli is a structure found in the eyes of certain animals, particularly mammals, that have a specialized reflective layer in the back of their eyes. This reflective layer is responsible for enhancing night vision and improving low-light visibility.

   The tapetum alveoli is located within the choroid layer of the eyeball, behind the retina. It is composed of layers of cells that contain crystalline structures, such as guanine crystals, which possess a high refractive index. These cells and crystals reflect light that enters the eye back through the retina, increasing the amount of light available for photoreceptor cells to detect. As a result, animals with a tapetum alveoli have a greater ability to see in dim light conditions.

   This structure contributes to the phenomenon known as eyeshine, which is the reflection of light from the tapetum alveoli visible in the eyes of animals at night. The color of the eyeshine can vary depending on the animal species and the specific arrangement of reflective cells within the tapetum alveoli.

   Although the tapetum alveoli greatly improves night vision, it can also have some disadvantages. For instance, the reflected light can cause a reduction in visual acuity and color perception. Humans do not possess a tapetum alveoli, which is why their night vision is relatively poor compared to certain nocturnal animals.

2. Alveolar periosteum.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TAPETUM ALVEOLI

• tapetum alveomi
• tapetum alveoly
• tapetum alveola
• tapetum alveolm
• tapetum alveolh
• t apetum alveoli
• tape tum alveoli
• tapet um alveoli
• tapetu m alveoli
• tapetum a lveoli
• tapetum al veoli
• tapetum alv eoli
• tapetum alve oli
• tapetum alveo li
• tapetum alveol i

Etymology of TAPETUM ALVEOLI

The term "tapetum alveoli" is derived from two Latin words: "tapetum" and "alveoli".

1. "Tapetum" is derived from the Latin word "tapete" which means "carpet" or "cover". In the field of anatomy, it refers to a layer of cells that provide nourishment to developing pollen grains or spores in plants, or an inner layer of the eyeball that reflects light and enhances night vision in animals.

2. "Alveoli" is derived from the Latin word "alveolus", meaning "small cavity" or "small hollow". It is a term commonly used in anatomy to refer to small hollow or cavity-like structures, such as the air sacs of the lungs.

When combined, "tapetum alveoli" refers to a structure that resembles a carpet or cover with small hollow or cavity-like structures.