Anatomy & Physiology

Reticular describes a net-like or networked structure; in anatomy it refers to a netlike formation of neurons or tissue, and more broadly to anything resembling a net. The term conveys a mesh of interwoven components, often used to describe complex, branching patterns. It’s a specialized word commonly occurring in scientific or medical contexts.

Retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals for vision. It functions as a crucial element of the eye’s sensory system, translating photons into electrical impulses that the brain can interpret as images. In medical contexts, it also refers to retinal tissue involved in conditions like retinal detachment or macular degeneration.

Rib is a short, curved bone forming part of the rib cage, connected to the spine and sternum. It also functions as a verb meaning to tease or joke with someone. In anatomy contexts, it’s a precise term used to refer to any of the bones enclosing the thoracic cavity. The word is brief and sonorously simple, often appearing in medical, anatomical, or casual physical descriptions.

Sacral is an adjective relating to the sacrum, a large triangular bone at the base of the spine, or to sacred things in some anatomical or symbolic senses. It is used in medical contexts to describe sacral vertebrae or regions, and in more poetic usages to denote sacred or holy associations.

Sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. It articulates with the ilium at the sacroiliac joints and supports the pelvic girdle. In anatomy discussions, sacrum is a precise, technical term used to reference this specific bone in the vertebral column.

Sagittal is an anatomical term describing a plane that divides the body into left and right portions. It can also refer to structures oriented parallel to this plane. The word is used in medical and anatomical contexts and is typically employed in technical descriptions or classifications rather than casual speech.

Salivary is an adjective describing glands, secretions, or anatomical features related to saliva. It also characterizes activities involving saliva production or its components, such as salivary enzymes or salivary glands. Used in medical, anatomical, and dental contexts to specify origin or function.

Scaphoid is a noun referring to a small bone in the wrist (carpal bone) shaped like a boat; the term is used in anatomy and orthopedics. It also appears in medical contexts to describe this bone specifically, particularly in imaging, fractures, and anatomical descriptions. Correct pronunciation helps avoid confusion with similarly named structures.

Scapula is the flat, roughly triangular bone forming the back part of the shoulder girdle, connecting the upper arm bone to the rib cage via muscles. It serves as the anchor for shoulder motion and muscle attachments. The term specifically denotes the shoulder blade used in anatomy and medical contexts.

Sclera is the tough, opaque, outer protective layer of the eye, surrounding the iris and pupil. It provides structure and shape to the eye and serves as an attachment point for the ocular muscles. The term is used in medical contexts and anatomy, distinct from the more transparent cornea.

Septum is the partition that divides a cavity or structure into two sections, most commonly the cartilaginous and bony wall that separates the nostrils of the nose. In anatomy and biology contexts, it can refer to any dividing wall within a body part or organ. The term emphasizes a vertical or transverse separation within a paired, bilateral structure.

Sigmoid describes a curved, S-shaped form or structure, often used in mathematics, anatomy (sigmoid colon), or biology to denote a bent, serpentine shape. In math, it also denotes a specific S-shaped function mapping real numbers to the open interval (0,1). The term conveys curvature, bendiness, and a progressive, smooth transition in form or value.

Splanchnic is an anatomical adjective relating to the viscera or internal organs, especially the digestive and abdominal organs. It often appears in medical contexts to describe vessels, nerves, or circulatory pathways that supply the viscera. In usage, it designates deep, internal bodily structures rather than superficial areas.

sternoclavicular refers to the joint where the sternum (breastbone) meets the clavicle (collarbone). It describes the anatomical region or related structures and movements at this joint. The term combines three roots and is used chiefly in medical contexts to denote the sternoclavicular joint or its ligaments, articulations, and clinical considerations.

A long anatomical noun referring to a major neck muscle that runs from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear. It flexes and rotates the head and is commonly discussed in medical, anatomy, and fitness contexts. Its pronunciation is challenging due to its multiple syllables and precise consonant clustering.

sternohyoid is a strap-like neck muscle attaching from the sternum to the hyoid bone. It functions in swallowing and laryngeal stabilization, pulling the hyoid bone downward after swallowing. In anatomical discussions it’s described as a deep infrahyoid muscle, paired with other strap muscles to regulate throat position.

Sternum is the flat, breastbone located along the center of the chest, forming the front of the rib cage. It serves as the anchor for the ribs via costal cartilages and protects the heart and lungs. In medical contexts, it also refers to the central bone of the chest wall, including the manubrium and body.

Stylomastoid refers to the small bone-ending pathway near the ear—the stylomastoid foramen through which the facial nerve exits the skull—and to the adjacent stalk-like portion of the temporal bone. In anatomy, it describes structures related to the stylomastoid process. The term is chiefly used in medical contexts and dissection or neurosurgical discussions. It denotes a precise, technical area rather than a common vocabulary term.