septal

Septal is an adjective relating to a septum, a wall or partition that divides a cavity, passage, or organ within an organism. The term is used across medicine, biology, and anatomy to describe structures that function as internal separators.

In anatomy, several well-known septa divide body compartments. The nasal septum separates the left and right nasal cavities. The heart contains the interatrial septum, which divides the atria, and the interventricular septum, which divides the ventricles. The brain contains the septum pellucidum, a thin membrane between the lateral ventricles. These septa help organize and regulate flow and pressure within their respective systems.

In microbiology and mycology, septa refer to cross-walls that segment filaments. Septate hyphae have internal partitions, while non-septate hyphae lack these divisions. The concept of septa also extends to other organisms where a partition partitions compartments or tissues.

Common clinical and anatomical topics involve septa and related conditions. Nasal septum deviation or perforation can affect breathing or cause symptoms such as crusting or bleeding. Septal hematoma may arise after nasal trauma and may require draining. The heart can be affected by septal defects, such as atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD), which may require medical evaluation or surgical repair. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated nasal septum to improve airflow.

Etymology traces septal to the Latin septum, meaning a fence or partition.