How Do You Spell FOVEA CARDIACA?

1. The term "fovea cardiaca" refers to a small depression or pit located at the posterior surface of the right atrium of the heart. Also known as the atrial fossa, it is primarily found in human hearts.

   Anatomically, the fovea cardiaca is situated within the interatrial septum, the wall that separates the right and left atria. It appears as an oval-shaped indentation, with its long axis running from top to bottom. This depression is formed during embryonic development and remains as a remnant in the adult heart.

   The fovea cardiaca serves as a landmark on the heart's surface and holds significant importance in cardiology. It indicates the location of the former foramen ovale, an opening that allowed blood to bypass the lungs during fetal life. This opening typically closes after birth, sealing off the interatrial communication.

   In medical practice, the fovea cardiaca can be clinically relevant when assessing certain cardiovascular conditions. For instance, if it fails to close completely, a congenital defect called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be present. This condition can potentially cause complications, such as paradoxical embolism, where a blood clot travels from the venous circulation to the arterial system.

   Overall, the fovea cardiaca represents a distinctive anatomical feature of the heart, holding important diagnostic value in studying cardiac structures and potential abnormalities.

2. The opening of the foregut posteriorly into the general archenteric space in the embryo.

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

Common Misspellings for FOVEA CARDIACA

The term "fovea cardiaca" has Latin origins. "Fovea" means a small pit or depression, while "cardiaca" means pertaining to the heart.