Cornu

Cornu is a Latin noun meaning horn. In anatomy and medicine, cornus or cornua is used to name horn-like projections or structures across various organs. The term is common in classical and modern anatomical vocabulary, with the plural form cornua and the singular cornu. It is a descriptive label that calls attention to a horn-shaped appearance rather than implying a shared function.

Notable examples include:

- Cornu ammonis, the hippocampal horn, a curved part of the hippocampus in the medial temporal lobe. It is a key component of the limbic system and is subdivided into regions historically labeled CA1–CA4, reflecting its curved, horn-like shape.

- Cornua uteri, the uterine horns, the horn-like extensions of the uterus seen in many mammals where the oviducts connect. In humans, these horns are relatively small but anatomically present; they are clinically relevant in discussions of uterine morphology and certain pregnancy types.

- Cornu majus and cornu minus (greater and lesser horns) of the hyoid bone, which project posteriorly and serve as attachment points for ligaments and muscles that support the tongue and larynx.

Beyond these, the term appears in other horn-like anatomical features described in various species. The usage is largely morphological and descriptive, reflecting the resemblance of these structures to horns rather than indicating a single shared function.