incisure

Incisure is a term used in anatomy and surgery to describe a notch, indentation, or a sharp, V-shaped cut. The term can refer to various anatomical structures that feature such a depression. For example, in the skull, there are several incisures, such as the supraorbital incisure or the mandibular incisure, which are notches in the bones. In the context of surgical procedures, an incisure often refers to the initial incision made to access an area of the body.

The shape and depth of an incisure can vary depending on its location and function. Some incisures are shallow grooves, while others are deep cuts. They can be smooth or have irregular edges. The specific naming of an incisure in anatomy is often based on its location or the structures it separates. For instance, the incisura tentorii is a notch in the tentorium cerebelli, a fold of dura mater that separates the cerebellum from the cerebrum.

In some older texts or less common usage, "incisure" might be used interchangeably with "notch" or "fissure." However, in modern anatomical and medical contexts, it specifically denotes a cut or indentation. Understanding the precise meaning of incisure is important for accurate anatomical description and surgical planning.