Lateral cornu

Lateral cornu refers to a specific anatomical structure found in various parts of the body. The term "cornu" is Latin for "horn," and in anatomy, it often describes horn-like projections or extensions. The lateral cornu can be found in different contexts, including the spinal cord, the thyroid cartilage, and the uterus.

Spinal Cord

In the context of the spinal cord, the lateral cornu, also known as the lateral horn, is a region of the gray matter in the spinal cord. It is primarily found in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments (T1 to L2) and contains the cell bodies of the sympathetic nervous system neurons. These neurons are involved in the autonomic regulation of various bodily functions, including the fight-or-flight response.

Thyroid Cartilage

The lateral cornu of the thyroid cartilage is one of the two horn-like projections extending from the posterior aspect of the thyroid cartilage. The thyroid cartilage is a key structure in the larynx and plays a crucial role in protecting the vocal cords and supporting the structure of the larynx. The lateral cornu provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments involved in the movement and function of the larynx.

Uterus

In the context of the uterus, the lateral cornu refers to the regions where the fallopian tubes enter the uterine cavity. These areas are significant in reproductive anatomy as they are the sites where the sperm meets the ovum for fertilization. The lateral cornua of the uterus are also important landmarks in various gynecological procedures and surgeries.

Related Pages

• Spinal cord
• Gray matter
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Thyroid cartilage
• Larynx
• Vocal cords
• Uterus
• Fallopian tubes
• Sperm
• Ovum