The spelling of "vena circumflexa ilium superficialis" can be a bit tricky to decipher. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), we can break down the pronunciation of this medical term. "Vena" is pronounced as "ˈviːnə," "circumflexa" as "ˌsɜːrkəmˈflɛksə," "ilium" as "ˈɪliəm," and "superficialis" as "ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəlɪs." When pronounced together, the word sounds like "VEE-nuh SIR-kuhm-FLEK-suh IL-ee-uhm soo-per-FISH-uh-lis." This term refers to a superficial vein in the hip area, often used in medical procedures.
The term "vena circumflexa ilium superficialis" refers to a blood vessel located in the pelvic region of the human body. The definition of this term can be broken down as follows:
- Vena: Derived from the Latin word "vein", which refers to a blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood towards the heart.
- Circumflexa: Derived from the Latin words "circum", meaning "around", and "flectere", meaning "to bend". It denotes a blood vessel that runs in a curved or winding manner.
- Ilium: Referring to the iliac region, which is part of the pelvis. It can also specifically refer to the large, flaring bones forming the sides of the pelvis.
- Superficialis: Derived from the Latin word "superficialis", meaning "close to the surface", it signifies that the blood vessel is easily accessible and can be found near the surface of the body.
Therefore, the vena circumflexa ilium superficialis can be defined as a superficial blood vessel that runs in a curved or winding manner around the iliac region of the pelvis. It is closer to the surface of the body, allowing for relatively easier access compared to deeper blood vessels.
Superficial circumflex iliac vein, corresponding to the artery of the same name, emptying usually into the saphena magna, or sometimes into the femoral.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.