SEMILUNAR FASCIA Meaning and
Definition
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The term "semilunar fascia" refers to a fibrous connective tissue structure located in the lower abdomen. It is characterized by its semi-circular shape, resembling a half-moon or crescent, which explains the origin of its name: "semi-" meaning half, and "lunar" referring to the moon. This fascia is a part of the broader abdominal fascia system.
The semilunar fascia is situated between the transversus abdominis muscle - a deep muscle layer of the abdomen - and the internal oblique muscle - an intermediate muscle layer of the abdominal wall. It spans across the lower half of the abdomen, running bilaterally on each side of the body. The fascia encloses and helps support various structures of the lower abdomen, such as the lower part of the rectus abdominis muscle, commonly known as the "abs", and the inguinal ligament, which provides stability to the groin area.
The primary function of the semilunar fascia is to provide structural integrity and support to the lower abdominal region. It also facilitates the distribution of tension and force across the abdomen during movements, helping to prevent strains and injuries. Additionally, the fascia acts as a protective barrier for underlying organs, vessels, and nerves in the abdominal area.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SEMILUNAR FASCIA
Etymology of SEMILUNAR FASCIA
The word "semilunar" is derived from the Latin words "semi-" meaning "half" and "luna" meaning "moon". The term "semilunar" is used to describe a shape that is half-moon or crescent-shaped.
The word "fascia" also has a Latin origin and originally referred to a band or a bandage. Over time, it came to be used in anatomy to describe a layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and other structures.
When combined, "semilunar fascia" refers to a fascial structure that has a half-moon or crescent shape. In anatomy, this term is often used to describe specific fascial layers found in the body, such as the semilunar fascia of the inguinal region or the semilunar fascia of the forearm.
