The term [ostium] is Latin and means "mouth" or "opening". The origin of the meaning of this term is debated and seems to come from the Latin term [os], meaning mouth. Latin derivatives of this term are [osculum] and [oscularetur]; "kiss" and "kissing", respectively. The plural form for ostium is [ostia] There are several named ostia in the human body. An example is presented in the accompanying image, showing the ostium of the coronary sinus. Another example are the ostia of the coronary arteries found in the aortic valve (one of the semilunar valves) Image property of:CAA.Inc. |
Click on the image for a larger version. |
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