FOSSA CRANII Meaning and
Definition
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Fossa cranii, also known as cranial fossa, refers to a concave depression or hollow area located within the cranium, specifically on the inferior surface of the skull. It is divided into three main parts: anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, and posterior cranial fossa. The fossa cranii plays a crucial role in providing protection and support for the brain and its associated structures.
The anterior cranial fossa is positioned at the most superior part of the fossa cranii and houses the frontal lobes of the brain. It extends from the frontal bone to the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone. The middle cranial fossa, situated at the middle part, accommodates the temporal lobes. It extends from the lesser wings of the sphenoid bone to the dorsum sellae (a bony structure) and contains several important structures like the pituitary gland. Finally, the posterior cranial fossa, located at the inferior part, cradles the cerebellum. It extends from the dorsum sellae to the foramen magnum, which is the large opening at the base of the skull.
The fossa cranii not only provides structural support and protection, but also facilitates various functions like moisture and temperature regulation, as well as drainage of venous blood from the brain. This anatomical structure is of immense importance in the field of medicine, notably neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology, as it serves as a reference point for assessing and diagnosing potential pathologies or abnormalities within the skull.
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One of three hollows (f. anterior, f. media, and f. posterior) on the upper surface of the base of the skull which lodge the cerebrum (anterior and middle fossae) and the cerebellum (posterior fossa).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FOSSA CRANII
- dossa cranii
- cossa cranii
- vossa cranii
- gossa cranii
- tossa cranii
- rossa cranii
- fissa cranii
- fkssa cranii
- flssa cranii
- fpssa cranii
- f0ssa cranii
- f9ssa cranii
- foasa cranii
- fozsa cranii
- foxsa cranii
- fodsa cranii
- foesa cranii
- fowsa cranii
- fosaa cranii
- fosza cranii
Etymology of FOSSA CRANII
The word "fossa cranii" is derived from Latin. In Latin, "fossa" means "ditch" or "trench", and "cranii" is the genitive form of "cranium", meaning "skull". Therefore, "fossa cranii" translates to "cranial fossa" in English.
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