dorsal etymology

Etymology

The word "dorsal" comes from the Latin word "dorsum", meaning "back".

Meaning and Origin

In anatomy, the term "dorsal" refers to the upper or back surface of an organism. It is used to describe the location of structures that are positioned towards the back, as opposed to "ventral" which refers to the belly or lower surface.

The concept of dorsal and ventral surfaces is fundamental in zoology and comparative anatomy. It allows scientists to describe the relative positions of anatomical structures within different species, even if their body plans vary significantly.

For example, in humans, the dorsal surface includes the back of the body, including the spine, ribs, and shoulder blades. The ventral surface, on the other hand, includes the front of the body, including the chest, abdomen, and pelvic region.

In invertebrates, dorsal and ventral surfaces can also be identified, although they may not always correspond to the back and belly. For instance, in insects, the dorsal surface is typically the upper side of the body, while the ventral surface is the underside.

dorsal relate terms

  • dossier

    Etymology French dossier ultimately from Latin dossum back Meaning A collect

  • dorsal

    Etymology The word dorsal comes from the Latin word dorsum meaning back Meaning

  • endorse

    Etymology End Latin prefix Within to put in Dorsum Latin Back Meaning

  • dorsal

    Etymology The word dorsal comes from the Latin word dorsum meaning back Meaning

  • reprimand

    Etymology Reprimand comes from the French word réprimander which in turn comes from t

  • neat

    Etymology The word neat has an interesting etymology with multiple meanings and origin

  • humility

    Etymology Latin humilitas from humus earth soil ground Meaning The quality o

  • charisma

    Etymology The word charisma originates from the Greek word χάρισμα charisma

  • edifice

    Etymology The word edifice is derived from the Latin word aedificium which means bu

  • king

    Etymology Old English cyning pronounced kuh ning Proto Germanic kuningaz Proto

  • impression

    Etymology The word impression comes from the Latin word impressio which means a mar

  • hero

    Etymology The word hero originates from the Greek word ἥρως herōs which refe

  • touch

    Etymology Middle English touchin from Old French toucher from Latin tangere meanin