noun
- A curved or arched anatomical structure, especially in the skeleton or nervous system.
Usage: medical/anatomical term; Latin origin, used in scientific nomenclature
Examples
- The arcus aortae is the curved portion of the aorta that emerges from the left ventricle.
- In anatomy class, students learned about the arcus vertebrae, which forms the posterior part of a vertebra.
- The arcus palatinus is an important landmark in oral anatomy.
- Damage to the arcus can result in neurological complications.
- The arcus superciliaris is the bony ridge above the eyebrow.