annulus

[ˈænjʊləs]

annulus Definition

a ring-shaped structure or part, especially a ring of cartilage in the body.

Using annulus: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "annulus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The annulus fibrosus is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the intervertebral disc.

  • Example

    The annulus of the iris is the outermost ring of tissue surrounding the pupil.

  • Example

    The annulus of Zinn is a ring of tendons that surrounds the optic nerve.

Phrases with annulus

  • an eclipse of the sun in which the moon appears to cover the entire disk of the sun but leaves a ring (annulus) of sunlight visible around its edge

    Example

    The next annular eclipse will occur on June 10, 2021.

  • a ring-shaped ligament that holds a bone or joint in place

    Example

    The annular ligament stabilizes the head of the radius bone in the elbow joint.

  • a rare congenital abnormality in which a ring of pancreatic tissue surrounds the duodenum, potentially causing obstruction or other complications

    Example

    The patient was diagnosed with annular pancreas after experiencing abdominal pain and vomiting.

Origins of annulus

from Latin 'annulus', meaning 'ring'

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Summary: annulus in Brief

An 'annulus' [ˈænjʊləs] is a ring-shaped structure or part, such as a ring of cartilage in the body. It can refer to specific anatomical structures like the annulus fibrosus, which surrounds the intervertebral disc, or the annulus of the iris, which surrounds the pupil. The term also extends to phrases like 'annular eclipse,' which describes an eclipse of the sun where a ring of sunlight is visible around the moon's edge.