Internal organs and body cavities
The organs of the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities have precise Latin equivalents describing their parts, surfaces, and topography. For example, inferior mediastinum is translated as Mediastinum inferius, and the abdominal part of aorta as Pars abdominalis aortae.
- Digestive system (Systema digestorium): includes such structures as superior part of duodenum (Pars superior duodeni), pyloric canal (Canalis pyloricus), as well as the ligamentous apparatus and surfaces, for example, left lobe of liver (Lobus hepatis sinister), porta hepatis (Porta hepatis), oesophageal impression of liver (Impressio oesophagea hepatis) and fundus of gallbladder (Fundus vesicae biliaris).
- Pelvic organs and urogenital system (Systema urogenitale): terms like these are used to describe reproductive organs ovarian cortex (Cortex ovarii), vaginal fornix (Fornix vaginae), parenchyma of testis (Parenchyma testis) and ampulla of uterine tube (Ampulla tubae uterinae). Concepts such as the following are important for the urinary system adventitia of ureter (Tunica adventitia ureteris) and accessory kidney (Ren accessorius).
Spaces themselves are also distinguished, such as the peritoneal cavity (Cavitas peritonei), pelvic cavity (Cavitas pelvis), and medullary cavity (Cavitas medullaris).
Musculoskeletal and nervous systems
The muscular system (Systema musculare) and skeleton are typically characterized by indications of the shape, location, and function of formations.
- Muscles: Latin often uses compound names reflecting the structure, for example, triceps surae muscle (M. triceps surae), biceps femoris muscle (M. biceps femoris), triceps brachii muscle (M. triceps brachii), and longus capitis muscle (Musculus longus capitis).
- Bones, joints, and ligaments (Systema articulare): knee joint (Articulatio genus), body of pubic bone (Corpus ossis pubis), ramus of ischium (Ramus ossis ischii), and dentoalveolar syndesmosis (Syndesmosis dentoalveolaris).
In the nervous system (Systema nervosum), central and peripheral divisions are distinguished, for example, basilar part of pons (Pars basilaris pontis), pulvinar of thalamus (Pulvinar thalami), anterior limb of internal capsule (Crus anterius capsulae internae), calcar avis (Calcar avis), and radiations of corpus callosum (Radiatio corporis callosi).
Structures of the head, neck, and sense organs
The anatomy of the head requires the detailing of numerous small formations, cartilages, foramina, and spaces.
- Respiratory tract and face: nasal septal cartilage (Cartilago septi nasi), laryngeal inlet (Aditus laryngis), mental foramen (Foramen mentale), pharyngeal fornix (Fornix pharyngis), and pharyngeal recess (Recessus pharyngeus).
- Oral cavity and teeth: free part of gingiva (Pars libera gingivae), neck of tooth (Cervix dentis or Collum dentis), oral diaphragm (Diaphragma oris), foramen caecum of tongue (Foramen caecum linguae) and root of upper canine (Radix canini superioris) Also, such structures as are distinguished: buccal fat pad (Corpus adiposum buccae).
For sense organs, terms describing the fine structures of the eye and ear are used. Proper substance of sclera is translated as Substantia propria sclerae, macula lutea of retina — Macula lutea retinae, axis of lens — Axis lentis, and head and crus of stapes — Caput et crus stapedis.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What branches does the abdominal aorta give off at its bifurcation?
The sources do not provide an exact list of branches arising from the abdominal aorta at its bifurcation. It is indicated that in type III aneurysm, involvement of the infrarenal aorta includes the aortic bifurcation and iliac arteries.
To make it easier to remember the ligaments of the abdominal cavity, pay attention to the roots of the Latin names of the organs they connect. For example, Ligamentum gastrophrenicum consists of gastro- (stomach) and phrenicum (diaphragm) — resulting in the gastrophrenic ligament.
Class and exam questions
How do you correctly translate «greater curvature of the stomach»?
Two options are acceptable while maintaining grammatical accuracy: Curvatura ventriculi major or Curvatura major ventriculi.
What does the term Hepar mobile mean?
This term is translated as "floating liver". The adjective mobile indicates abnormal mobility of the organ.
How are accessory organs designated in Latin?
The adjective accessorius (accessory) in the appropriate gender is used. For example, accessory kidney — Ren accessorius, and accessory pancreas — Pancreas accessorium.
What else to study on this topic
- Terminology of the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems
- Translation of internal capsule structures and CNS pathways
- Anatomical nomenclature of the ligamentous apparatus of the liver and spleen
- Specific muscles of the face, neck, and perineum in Latin terminology
- Detailing of Latin names for tooth root and jaw structures
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Other topics in the section "Neuter nouns of the III declension"
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