Parietal

Parietal is an adjective meaning pertaining to the internal walls of a body cavity, as opposed to its contents. This term is applied primarily to the membranes lining the cavity (eg, peritoneum, pleura).

Parietal can also mean pertaining to the parietal bone of the skull. The parietal bone is a paired bone of the cranial vault, located in its upper rear part.

Thus, the term "parietal" is used in anatomy to refer to structures related to the walls of body cavities or to the parietal bone of the skull.



Parietal is an anatomical term that has two main meanings:

  1. Relating to the internal walls of a body cavity, as distinguished from its contents. The term is most often applied to the membranes lining a cavity, such as the peritoneum or pleura. For example, the parietal peritoneum lines the inner surface of the abdominal cavity.

  2. Pertaining to the parietal bone of the skull. The parietal bone is located at the top of the skull and is one of the paired bones of the cranial vault. Parietal in this context means pertaining to the parietal bone.

Thus, the term "parietal" is used to describe structures related to the inner walls of body cavities or to the parietal bone of the skull. It is an important anatomical term that allows us to accurately describe the location and functions of various organs and tissues.