Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, two-handled flask: A type of ancient Roman container, typically used for holding wine, oil, or perfumes.
   • A dilated, sac-like portion of a tube or canal in the body: An anatomical term for an enlarged, bulbous section of a duct or tubular structure, most notably in the inner ear.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Historical Container):

  • The archaeologist found a Roman ampulla in the ruins.
  • Oil for the sacred rites was stored in a ceremonial ampulla.

• Noun (Anatomical Structure):

  • The ampulla of Vater is a crucial junction where the pancreatic and bile ducts meet.
  • Each semicircular canal in the inner ear contains an ampulla that houses sensory cells.

Advanced Usage

• "Hepatopancreatic ampulla": Also known as the ampulla of Vater, this is the specific dilation where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct join before emptying into the duodenum.
  • A blockage in the hepatopancreatic ampulla can cause severe pain and jaundice.

Variants and Related Words

• Ampullae (n): The plural form of ampulla.

  • Several glass ampullae were discovered at the site.

• Ampullary (adj): Relating to or resembling an ampulla.

  • The doctor identified an ampullary carcinoma.

Synonyms

• Flask: A small container for liquids (for the historical sense).
• Dilation, Bulb, Sac: For the anatomical sense of an enlarged section.

Related Phrases

• Ampulla of Vater: A specific anatomical structure.

  • The surgeon performed a sphincterotomy at the ampulla of Vater.

• Membranous ampulla: Refers specifically to the dilated end of each semicircular duct within the bony ampulla of the ear.

  • The hair cells within the membranous ampulla detect rotational head movements.

Noun

1. a flask that has two handles; used by Romans for wines or oils
2. the dilated portion of a canal or duct especially of the semicircular canals of the ear