Author Archives: OET Bank

👁 What Does “Epigastric Fossa” Mean? Epigastric fossa is the medical term for the shallow hollow located in the upper mid-abdomen, just below the sternum (breastbone). The word comes from Greek roots: epi- meaning upon, gaster meaning stomach, and Latin fossa meaning hollow or depression. In clinical medicine, it is used to describe both an […]

👁 What Does “Costal Arch” Mean? The costal arch is the curved lower border of the rib cage formed by the cartilage of ribs 7 to 10. The word costal comes from the Latin costa, meaning rib, while arch describes the bow-shaped structure it creates across the upper abdomen. In medical contexts, “costal arch” is […]

👁 What Does “Infrasternal Angle” Mean? The infrasternal angle is the angle formed where the lower ribs meet just beneath the sternum. The term comes from Latin roots: infra meaning “below,” and sternum, the breastbone of the chest. In medicine, it is used mainly in anatomy teaching and physical examination to describe the shape of […]

👁 What Does “Xiphoid Process” Mean? The term xiphoid process refers to the small projection at the lower end of the sternum (breastbone). The word comes from the Greek xiphos, meaning sword, because of its thin, pointed shape. “Process” is a common anatomical term for a bony projection or outgrowth. In medicine, xiphoid process is […]

👁 What Does “Midclavicular Line” Mean? The midclavicular line (MCL) is a vertical reference line drawn downward from the midpoint of the clavicle. The term comes from modern anatomical English — mid- meaning “middle,” and clavicular referring to the clavicle (collarbone). It is widely used in medicine because it provides a consistent landmark for describing […]