VASA VORTICOSA Meaning and
Definition
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Vasa vorticosa refers to a network of blood vessels that are critical in supplying oxygen and nutrients to the renal medulla, the innermost region of the kidney. This intricate vascular arrangement is primarily responsible for sustaining the high metabolic demands of the renal medulla, which plays a crucial role in the urine concentrating mechanism.
The vasa vorticosa is characterized by an intertwining network of arterioles, capillaries, and venules, forming a complex spiral arrangement. These vessels branch off from the efferent arterioles, which are arteries that stem from the glomerular capillaries within the renal cortex. As they descend towards the renal medulla, they coil and twist, resembling a vortex, hence the name "vasa vorticosa."
The vasa vorticosa serves two vital purposes within the kidney. Firstly, it supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the renal medulla, ensuring their metabolic processes can function optimally. Secondly, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the high osmolarity required for the concentration of urine. The dense network of blood vessels in the vasa vorticosa creates a countercurrent exchange system, allowing for efficient reabsorption of water and solutes along the ascending and descending limbs of the loop of Henle.
In summary, the vasa vorticosa is a specialized vascular network that supports the renal medulla by providing oxygen, nutrients, and sustaining the urine concentration process. Its intricate arrangement and countercurrent exchange system contribute to the efficient functioning of the kidney.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VASA VORTICOSA
- casa vorticosa
- basa vorticosa
- gasa vorticosa
- fasa vorticosa
- vzsa vorticosa
- vssa vorticosa
- vwsa vorticosa
- vqsa vorticosa
- vaaa vorticosa
- vaza vorticosa
- vaxa vorticosa
- vada vorticosa
- vaea vorticosa
- vawa vorticosa
- vasz vorticosa
- vass vorticosa
- vasw vorticosa
- vasq vorticosa
- vasa corticosa
- vasa borticosa
Etymology of VASA VORTICOSA
The word "vasa vorticosa" has its etymology in Latin.
- "Vasa" comes from the Latin word "vasum" which means "vessel" or "container".
- "Vorticosa" is derived from the Latin word "vorticōsus" which means "whirling" or "spinning".
In the context of anatomy, the term "vasa vorticosa" is used to describe the network of blood vessels found in the choroid layer of the eye, which appear to have a spiral or vortex-like pattern.
So, the etymology of "vasa vorticosa" can be translated to mean "whirling vessels" or "vessels with a spiral pattern".
