Dorsa

Dorsa is the plural form of dorsum, a Latin-derived term meaning back. In scientific usage, dorsa denotes multiple dorsal surfaces or ridges. The term appears in anatomy, zoology, and planetary science, among other fields.

In anatomy and zoology, the dorsum is the back or upper surface of an organism or body part. Dorsa refers to more than one such surface or ridge, for example the dorsum of the tongue or the dorsal surfaces of the hands.

In planetary science, dorsa denotes ridges on the surfaces of planets and moons. These elongated crests arise from tectonic faulting or volcanic activity and are documented on bodies such as the Moon and Mars. They are identified, described, and mapped by planetary scientists to study surface evolution.

Dorsa may also occur as a surname or part of proper names in non-scientific contexts.