Anatomical abbreviations in Latin nomenclature

Principle of plural formation

In anatomical terminology, there is a strict rule for writing abbreviations. To indicate that we are referring not to a single anatomical structure, but to several at once, the initial letter of the term is doubled. This is a basic principle used ubiquitously throughout the nomenclature. Understanding this mechanism allows for the unambiguous identification of the plural when reading medical texts and anatomical atlases.

Basic list of anatomical abbreviations

Below is a list of the main conventional abbreviations that must be known for the correct reading of terms in the plural:

• Aa. — arteriae. Translated into English as arteries.
• Bb. — bursae. Used to designate anatomical structures known as bursae.
• Gll. — glandulae. This abbreviation is used when referring to glands.
• Forr. — foramina. Translated as foramina. (It is important to remember that this is specifically foramina, rather than the singular foramen, and should not be confused with terms such as fissurae or fossae).
• Ligg. — ligamenta. The generally accepted designation for structures known as ligaments.
• Mm. — musculi. This term is translated into English as muscles.
• Nn. — nervi. Used to designate nerves.
• Rr. — rami. An abbreviation designating branches.
• Vagg. — vaginae. Translated as sheaths. (Note that this is specifically vaginae, rather than the singular vagina, and this term should not be confused with venae or valvulae).
• Vv. — venae. The traditional abbreviation designating veins.

Reading and translation: vessels, nerves, and glands

For confident mastery of the nomenclature, practice in reading and translating phrases is required. Let's look at how abbreviations work in the context of the vascular, nervous, and glandular systems.

Arteries and veins:

• aa. nutriciae — translated as nutritिय arteries.
• aa. superiores — means superior arteries.
• aa. sigmoideae — expands to sigmoid arteries.
• vv. cavernosae — translated as cavernous veins.
• vv. centrales — designates central veins.

Nerves and their branches:

• nn. articulares — translated into English as articular nerves.
• nn. profundi — the term means deep nerves.
• nn. cardiaci — used to designate structures called cardiac nerves.
• rr. orbitales — translated as orbital branches.
• rr. oesophagei — means esophageal branches.

Glands:

• gll. intestinales — translated as intestinal glands.

Reading and translation: musculoskeletal system and other structures

The second group of reading exercises relates to the muscular system, the ligamentous apparatus, as well as various anatomical apertures and bursae.

Muscles and ligaments:

• ligg. interossea — translated as interosseous ligaments.
• ligg. extraarticularia — designates extra-articular ligaments.
• mm. interossei — expands to interosseous muscles.
• mm. interspinales — means interspinal muscles.

Bursae, sheaths, and apertures:

• bb. trochantericae — translated into English as trochanteric bursae.
• vagg. synoviales — designates synovial sheaths.
• forr. incisiva — the term is translated as incisive foramina.
• forr. palatina minora — used to designate structures such as lesser palatine canals.

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Features of translating arterial and venous bed abbreviations
• Specifics of reading terms describing nerve branches and trunks
• Analysis of the names of muscle groups and the ligamentous apparatus
• Differences in writing apertures, fissures, and fossae in nomenclature

Other topics in the "Nominativus pluralis" section

Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.