Valvate
Valvate refers to a specific type of arrangement or configuration often used in the context of botany and anatomy. This term is derived from the Latin word valvatus, meaning equipped with doors or leaves that open. In botany, valvate is used to describe a particular way in which petals, sepals, or leaves are arranged in a bud before it opens, where the edges of the parts touch each other but do not overlap. This configuration can be observed in various plants and is significant for the identification and classification of species. In anatomy, the term can refer to structures that function similarly to valves, controlling the flow of fluids in an organism.
Botanical Significance[edit | edit source]
In botanical terms, valvate is a descriptive term applied to the arrangement of flower parts in the bud stage. This arrangement is one of several types, including imbricate, convolute, and quincuncial, each describing how the petals or sepals are positioned relative to one another before the flower opens. Valvate configurations can be further classified into:
- Valvate simple: Where the edges of the petals or sepals merely touch each other without overlapping.
- Induplicate valvate: Where the edges of the petals or sepals are folded inward.
- Reduplicate valvate: Where the edges of the petals or sepals are folded outward.
This characteristic is particularly important in the identification of plant families such as the Myrtaceae or the Malvaceae, where valvate or partially valvate arrangements are common.
Anatomical Relevance[edit | edit source]
In anatomical contexts, valvate structures pertain to parts of the body that function as valves. These structures can be found in various systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system, where they play a crucial role in controlling the direction and flow of blood. Valvate structures ensure that fluids, such as blood or lymph, flow in one direction, preventing backflow and ensuring efficient circulation within an organism.
Examples in Nature[edit | edit source]
- In the plant kingdom, the Magnolia genus is known for its valvate floral buds, where the large petals are tightly pressed against each other until they bloom.
- The human heart contains several valvate structures, such as the mitral valve and the aortic valve, which are critical for the unidirectional flow of blood.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Valvate Resources | |
---|---|
|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD