Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, ear-shaped pouch projecting from the top front of each atrium of the heart: This term refers specifically to a muscular pouch in the heart. It is named for its resemblance to a dog's ear.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • During the surgery, the surgeon noted an enlarged left auricular appendage.
  • Thrombi can sometimes form within the auricular appendage, posing a risk of stroke.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical, anatomical, and surgical contexts to describe this specific cardiac structure.
  • Echocardiography is used to assess the size and function of the auricular appendage.

Variants and Related Words

• Atrial appendage: A more modern and commonly used synonym in clinical practice.
  • The left atrial appendage is often the source of clots in patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Auricle (of the heart): An older, sometimes synonymous term, though "auricle" can also refer to the external part of the ear, which may cause confusion.

Synonyms

• Atrial appendage: The preferred contemporary term in cardiology.
• Auricle (cardiac): An anatomical synonym, though less precise.

Notes on Meaning

• This is a highly specialized anatomical term. It does not refer to the external ear (pinna), which is also sometimes called the "auricle." The "auricular appendage" is an internal heart structure.

Noun

1. a pouch projecting from the top front of each atrium of the heart