antra
Definition
- Noun (plural: antra):
- Anatomical cavity: In anatomy, "antrum" (plural "antra") refers to a naturally occurring cavity or chamber within a bone or other bodily structure, typically lined with mucous membrane. Common examples include the maxillary sinus (antrum of Highmore) and the mastoid antrum in the temporal bone.
Usage Examples
- (The cavities in the cheek bones were checked for disease.)
- (Swelling of the air cells in the skull behind the ear leads to discomfort.)
Advanced Usage
"Antral" (adj): relating to or affecting an antrum.
- Antral gastritis involves inflammation of the lower part of the stomach. (The condition affects the stomach's antral region.)
"Antrectomy" (n): surgical removal of the antrum of the stomach.
- The patient underwent an antrectomy to treat a peptic ulcer. (Part of the stomach was removed to heal the ulcer.)
Variants and Related Words
Antrum (n, singular): the singular form of "antra."
- The antrum of the stomach is its lower portion. (The cavity near the stomach's outlet.)
Antral (adj): pertaining to an antrum.
- Antral follicles in the ovary are small, fluid-filled sacs. (These structures are part of ovarian development.)
Synonyms
- Cavity: a hollow space within the body.
- Sinus: a cavity, especially in the skull, often used interchangeably with "antrum" in certain contexts (e.g., paranasal sinuses).
Related Idioms
- None common for "antra," as it is a specialized anatomical term.
Phrasal Verbs
- None applicable, as "antra" is a noun and not used in phrasal verb constructions.