VESTIGIAL FOLD Meaning and
Definition
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A vestigial fold refers to a structure or part of a living organism that exists in a reduced or degenerate form, having lost its original function or purpose over the course of evolution. These folds are remnants of once-functional anatomical features that served a specific role in the ancestors of the organism but have become functionally irrelevant or diminished in their current state.
The term "vestigial" signifies the reduced, rudimentary, or residual nature of the fold, indicating that it no longer holds the same significance or usefulness it once possessed. Vestigial folds can be found in various organisms, including humans and animals, and can manifest in different forms, often resembling folds of tissue or skin that serve no purpose in the creature's physiology.
These vestigial folds are often a result of genetic and evolutionary changes, where natural selection has favored the loss or reduction of the original feature due to the lack of necessity or advantage in the organism's environment or lifestyle. Although vestigial folds may not serve any practical function, they can be significant from an evolutionary standpoint, providing evidence of the interconnectedness and shared ancestry among different species.
In summary, a vestigial fold denotes an anatomical structure or fold that has lost its original usefulness or significance over time, remaining as a residual remnant in the organism's body.
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• Ligamentum venae cavae sinistrae.
• A triangular duplicature of the serous layer of the pericardium, enclosing areolar tissue, fat, blood-vessels, and nerves, between the left pulmonary artery and the pulmonary veins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VESTIGIAL FOLD
- cestigial fold
- bestigial fold
- gestigial fold
- festigial fold
- vwstigial fold
- vsstigial fold
- vdstigial fold
- vrstigial fold
- v4stigial fold
- v3stigial fold
- veatigial fold
- veztigial fold
- vextigial fold
- vedtigial fold
- veetigial fold
- vewtigial fold
- vesrigial fold
- vesfigial fold
- vesgigial fold
- vesyigial fold
Etymology of VESTIGIAL FOLD
The word "vestigial" originates from the Latin term "vestigium", which means "footprint" or "trace". It refers to something that remains as a trace or remnant of something that was once fully developed or functional.
The word "fold" has multiple meanings, but in the context of biology or anatomical structures, it often refers to a crease or a ridge. It can also represent a layer of tissue that partially covers or protects another structure.
Therefore, when combined as "vestigial fold", it implies a fold or crease that is a residual remnant or trace of a structure that was once more prominent or functional.
