The word "vesica fellea" refers to the gallbladder, a small sac located beneath the liver. Its spelling can be broken down into phonetic components using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "vesica," is pronounced /'vɛsɪkə/ with the stress on the first syllable. The second word, "fellea," is pronounced /fɛ'leːa/ with stress on the second syllable. It is essential to use correct spelling and pronunciation when discussing medical conditions, as miscommunication can have serious consequences.
The term "vesica fellea" refers to a specific anatomical structure within the human or animal body. Derived from Latin, "vesica" translates to "bladder," while "fellea" is derived from "fellis," meaning "bile." Together, "vesica fellea" translates to "bile bladder" in English.
In human anatomy, the vesica fellea is more commonly known as the gallbladder. It is a small, pear-shaped organ situated beneath the liver, specifically in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity. The gallbladder primarily functions as a storage facility for bile, a yellowish-green fluid synthesized by the liver. Bile helps in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats by emulsifying them. Additionally, bile aids in the elimination of waste products such as cholesterol and bilirubin from the body.
The vesica fellea has a capacity to store and concentrate bile, which is released into the small intestine when required. It is connected to the liver via the hepatic duct and connected to the small intestine through the common bile duct. The muscular walls of the gallbladder contract when stimulated to release bile, which aids in the breakdown of fats during digestion.
Disorders of the vesica fellea can include the formation of gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), or even cancer. However, surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy can be performed to remove the vesica fellea, when necessary, without disrupting the overall functioning of the digestive system.
Gall-bladder, a pear-shaped receptacle on the under surface of the liver, in a hollow between the right lobe and the quadrate lobe, containing bile.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The phrase "vesica fellea" is derived from Latin.
"Vesica" means "bladder" in Latin, specifically relating to the anatomical organ. It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wes", which means "to blow, to breathe".
"Fellea" is the feminine form of "felleus" in Latin, meaning "gall" or "bile". It pertains to the gallbladder, which is a small organ that stores and releases bile produced by the liver.
Therefore, "vesica fellea" translates to "gallbladder" or "bladder of bile" in English.