septummet

Septummet, or the septum, is a partition that divides a cavity or organ into two separate compartments. The term comes from Latin septum, meaning fence or barrier. In anatomy, septa are common across tissues and organs, reflecting a need to regulate flow, protect compartments, or support structure.

In humans, the most familiar septa include the nasal septum (septum nasi), which separates the left and right nasal cavities. It is formed by a cartilage framework (septal cartilage) with contributions from the vomer bone and the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid, covered by mucosa. A deviated nasal septum can cause obstruction, nosebleeds, or sinus problems. The heart contains interatrial and interventricular septa that partition its chambers, enabling separation of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood. Congenital defects such as atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) involve incomplete formation of these walls and may require monitoring or surgery.

Other notable septa include the septum pellucidum in the brain, a thin membrane between the lateral ventricles, and, in fungi and plants, septa within tissues or hyphae that serve as cross partitions. The nasal and cardiac septa are among the most clinically relevant examples, reflecting how septa contribute to organization and function in biology.

Development and variation: Septa arise during embryonic development and can be composed of cartilage, bone, fibrous tissue, or membrane, depending on location. Pathology may include perforation of mucosal septa, abnormal growth, or defects in septal formation affecting function.