Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
interventricular septum
The muscular wall separating the left and right ventricles of the heart.
Full Definition
The interventricular septum is the thick muscular partition that divides the heart's two ventricles. It consists of a small membranous portion near the aortic valve and a larger muscular portion. The septum plays a crucial role in cardiac function and is a common site for pathological changes including hypertrophy, infarction, and congenital defects. Septal thickness measurements are important in diagnosing various cardiomyopathies.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from atrial septum which separates the atria.
In Context
- "Asymmetric thickening of the interventricular septum was noted on gross examination." — Autopsy report
- "The interventricular septum showed evidence of remote myocardial infarction." — Pathology report
Also known as
ventricular septum
cardiac septum
Don't confuse with
atrial septum
atrioventricular septum