Septum

A septum (plural: septa) is a partition or dividing wall in an anatomical structure or other enclosure. The term is derived from the Latin word for "something that encloses" or "partition." Septa can be composed of bone, cartilage, membrane, or other tissue depending on the specific location and function.

Common examples of septa include:

• Nasal Septum: The partition in the nose that divides the two nasal cavities. It is composed of bone and cartilage and is often subject to deviation.

• Atrial Septum and Ventricular Septum (Heart): These septa separate the left and right atria and ventricles, respectively, preventing the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Defects in these septa are common congenital heart defects.

• Intermuscular Septum: A sheet of deep fascia that separates muscles of the same or similar action, primarily in the limbs.

• Septa of the Brain: Membranes that separate certain structures within the brain, such as the septum pellucidum separating the lateral ventricles.

The presence and integrity of a septum are often critical for the proper function of the organ or structure in which it is located. Damage or malformation of a septum can lead to various medical conditions.