How Do You Spell MEMBRANA PUPILLARIS?

1. Membrana pupillaris refers to a temporary embryological structure found in the eye of some vertebrates, including humans. It is a thin, transitory membrane that covers the developing pupil during the early stages of prenatal development.

   The membrana pupillaris forms as a result of the fusion of the pupillary membrane with the anterior surface of the lens, typically occurring around the sixth week of gestation. This membrane consists of blood vessels, connective tissue, and pigmented cells, contributing to its red or brown coloration. Its primary function is to separate the iris from the lens in the developing eye.

   As the embryonic eye continues to develop, the membrana pupillaris starts to degenerate and regress. In most cases, it disappears by the seventh month of fetal development, allowing the pupil to form properly. The regression process involves the dissolution and reabsorption of the membrane, leaving no trace behind after birth.

   While it typically fails to persist after birth, there have been rare cases in which remnants of the membrana pupillaris can be found in infants. These remnants are characterized by thin threads stretching across the pupil or small circular opacities known as persistent pupillary membranes. Although they do not usually cause significant visual impairments, they can sometimes lead to minor visual disturbances.

   In summary, the membrana pupillaris is a temporary membrane that forms during embryological eye development, serving as a barrier between the iris and lens. It regresses during fetal development, allowing the pupil to form and function properly.

2. A thin vascular membrane, forming the anterior portion of the capsule of the lens and occluding the pupil in fetal life; it normally disappears about the seventh month, but may persist and cause congenital blindness; called also Wachendorf’s membrane.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MEMBRANA PUPILLARIS

The word "membrana pupillaris" has its etymology rooted in Latin. Here is the breakdown of its components:

1. Membrana: This Latin word translates to "membrane" in English. It refers to a thin layer or sheet-like structure in biology.

2. Pupillaris: This Latin word is derived from the noun "pupilla", which means "pupil" in English. The term "pupilla" is diminutive of "pupus" meaning "child". Hence, "pupillaris" can be translated as "pertaining to the pupil" or "relating to the child".

Overall, "membrana pupillaris" can be understood as the "pupillary membrane", which refers to a temporary, delicate membrane present in the eyes of some animals or fetuses during development.