Alar

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Alar is a term used in the field of anatomy and medicine to refer to a structure that is wing-like or wing-shaped. The term is derived from the Latin word 'ala', meaning 'wing'. It is often used to describe certain parts of the body that spread out or project from a central point, similar to the way wings spread out from the body of a bird.

Alar in Anatomy

In anatomy, the term 'alar' is used to describe several structures in the human body. These include:

  • Alar cartilage: This is a thin, flexible piece of cartilage located in the nose. It helps to shape the nostrils and contributes to the overall structure and appearance of the nose.
  • Alar ligament: This is a pair of small ligaments that connect the sides of the dens (a part of the second cervical vertebra) to the occipital bone at the base of the skull. They help to stabilize the head and neck and prevent excessive rotation of the head.
  • Alar plate: This is a structure found in the developing nervous system of embryos. It forms the dorsal part of the neural tube and eventually gives rise to certain parts of the brain and spinal cord.

Alar in Medicine

In medicine, the term 'alar' is often used to refer to the alar cartilage of the nose, particularly in the context of plastic surgery and otolaryngology. For example, an 'alar base reduction' is a surgical procedure that narrows the width of the nostrils by removing a portion of the alar cartilage.

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External links

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