cavum

Cavum is a Latin term meaning hollow space or cavity, used in anatomy to denote a hollow chamber within a body region. The word is common in anatomical nomenclature, where cavum is typically combined with a descriptive element to name a specific cavity. The adjective cavus means hollow, and the term cavum is neutral in tone and usage.

In human anatomy, cavum is used as both a generic descriptor and in set phrases. Common examples include cavum nasi, the nasal cavity; cavum oris, the oral cavity; and cavum tympani, the middle ear cavity. The cranial cavity is referred to as cavum cranii, and the thoracic cavity appears as cavum thoracis in some Latinized texts. These terms describe spaces lined by epithelium and containing air, mucosa, fluid, or other tissues, depending on location.

In neuroanatomy the term is used for internal cavities or potential spaces. The cavum septi pellucidi is a potential space between the leaflets of the septum pellucidum, present in fetal and early postnatal development and sometimes visible in imaging. The cavum Vergae denotes a posterior extension of this region, a variation among individuals.

In broader usage, cavum can appear in other specialized terms or be contrasted with cavitas, a more general Latin word for cavity. The term is chiefly used in anatomical nomenclature rather than everyday language.