posterna

Posterna is a term found in Latin anatomical and descriptive language used to denote the posterior or back aspect of a structure. The form reflects the Latin roots post- meaning behind or after, and the feminine or adjectival ending posterna used in historical texts to indicate a back surface or rear feature. It is not a standalone anatomical entity, but a descriptive label that appears in some older manuscripts and compendia.

Usage and context: In early modern and medieval anatomy, writers sometimes refer to something like facies posterna or surface posterna to identify the posterior aspect of bones, organs, or other structures. The exact meaning can vary with the author, and in many cases the term functions as a directional qualifier rather than naming a distinct part. Modern anatomical nomenclature generally uses explicit terms such as posterior, dorsal, or the specific name of a surface or feature, reducing reliance on posterna as a standalone label.

Modern status: Today, posterna is largely of historical interest and is rarely encountered in contemporary textbooks. When it appears in translations or discussions of historical works, interpretation relies on careful reading of the surrounding description to determine which posterior surface or feature is being referenced.

See also: posterior, dorsal, anatomical terminology, facies.

Note: The term may appear inconsistently across sources, reflecting Latin stylistic conventions rather than a standardized modern anatomical term.