Velum medullare posterius is a term used in anatomy to refer to the posterior medullary velum. This part of the brainstem helps to coordinate movement and balance. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Velum" is pronounced /ˈviːlʊm/, "medullare" is pronounced /mɪˈdʌləriː/, and "posterius" is pronounced /pɒsˈtɪərɪəs/. These phonetic transcriptions help to clarify the pronunciation of each individual component of the term, making it easier for medical professionals and students alike to properly read and understand it.
Velum medullare posterius, also known as the posterior medullary velum, is a structure located in the brainstem. It is a thin, triangular-shaped membrane-like structure that lies on the posterior aspect of the fourth ventricle, a fluid-filled cavity in the brain.
The velum medullare posterius is a crucial component of the brainstem, playing a vital role in the regulation and coordination of various neurological functions. It acts as a structural support for the fourth ventricle and provides a barrier between this ventricle and the cerebellum, a region responsible for movement control and coordination.
Anatomically, the velum medullare posterius connects the upper part of the superior medullary velum to the lower part of the inferior medullary velum, effectively closing off the back part of the fourth ventricle. This closure helps to contain the cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricle.
Functionally, the velum medullare posterius facilitates the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain. It plays a role in maintaining proper fluid balance in the central nervous system and also serves as a protective barrier against potential damage or injury.
Understanding the structure and function of the velum medullare posterius is essential for comprehending the complex interconnections and mechanisms that exist within the brainstem. It is a significant component of the intricate neural network responsible for coordinating and controlling various bodily functions.
Posterior medullary v., inferior medullary v., v. Tarini, a thin lamina of white nerve substance extending on either side from the peduncle of the flocculus to the nodule which it covers in a very thin sheet; its posterior border unites with the posterior border of the anterior velum to form an angle, the fastigium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.