Zona pectinata is a Latin term used to describe the inner boundary of the iris of the eye. In IPA phonetic transcription, "zona" is pronounced as /ˈzoʊnə/ and "pectinata" as /pɛkˈtɪnətə/. The spelling of "zona" reflects the sound of the letter 'z', which is pronounced as a voiced alveolar fricative. Likewise, the spelling of "pectinata" reflects the sound of the letter 'c', which is pronounced as a voiceless palatal stop before 'i' or 'e' in Latin. Proper spelling is critical to accurate communication in professional and academic contexts.
Zona pectinata refers to a specific anatomical feature found within the heart. It is a term used in cardiac anatomy to describe a distinct region within the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. The phrase is derived from Latin, where "zona" means "zone" and "pectinata" translates to "comb-like," thus indicating the appearance of this zone.
The zona pectinata is characterized by a comb-like or ridged appearance on the inner surface of the atria, specifically on the walls adjacent to the atrioventricular (AV) valves. The ridges are formed by numerous fine, parallel muscular strands called trabeculae carneae that project into the atria. These trabeculae help to facilitate the contraction and relaxation of the atria during the cardiac cycle, allowing for efficient blood flow.
This region is more pronounced in the right atrium, being more extensive and prominent compared to the left atrium. The zona pectinata also serves as a boundary between the smooth-walled part of the atrium, known as the sinus venarum, and the muscular portion.
Understanding the structure and function of the zona pectinata is crucial for comprehending the intricate workings of the heart and its ability to efficiently pump blood.
Pectinate zone, the outer part of the membrana basilaris of the cochlea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "zona pectinata" originates from Latin.
- "Zona" derives from the Latin word "zona", meaning "zone" or "belt". It is related to the Greek word "zonē", which has the same meaning.
- "Pectinata" comes from the Latin word "pectinatus", which means "comb-like" or "resembling a comb". It is derived from the verb "pectinare", meaning "to comb". It is related to the word "pecten", which refers to the comb-like structure in the eye of certain birds and mollusks.
In anatomy, the term "zona pectinata" refers to the comb-like appearance of the muscular ridges present in the atrium (specifically, the right atrium) of the heart.