The genitive plural (Genitivus pluralis) is one of the trickiest sections of Latin grammar for medical students. It is essential for writing prescriptions correctly (e.g., "decoction of leaves" — decoctum foliorum) and understanding multi-component anatomical terms ("plexus of nerves" — plexus nervorum).
In this section, we will analyze the basic rules for forming the Genitivus pluralis. Special attention will be paid to the third declension: choosing the correct ending (-um or -ium) traditionally causes the most difficulty. We will also practice the rules for agreement of adjectives with nouns in the plural and reinforce everything using real anatomical nomenclature.
During classes, instructors are strictest about parisyllabic and imparisyllabic nouns of the third declension, as well as the translation of complex terms (such as retinaculum musculorum flexorum). After studying the materials in this section, you will stop guessing endings and start translating terms consciously.