fenestra

1. [TA] An anatomic aperture, often closed by a membrane. 2. An opening left in a plaster of Paris cast or other form of fixed dressing in order to permit access to a wound or inspection of the part. 3. The opening in one of the blades of an obstetric forceps. 4. A lateral opening in the sheath of an endoscopic instrument that allows lateral viewing or operative maneuvering. 5. Openings in the wall of a tube, catheter, or trocar designed to promote better flow of air or fluids. SYN: window (1) [TA]. [L. window]

- f. of the cochlea SYN: round window.

- f. cochleae [TA] SYN: round window.

- f. nov-ovalis artificial opening through the otic capsule into the lateral semicircular canal, connecting the membranous labyrinth with the mastoid cavity produced during fenestration surgery.

- f. ovalis SYN: oval window.

- f. rotunda SYN: round window.

- f. of the vestibule SYN: oval window.

- f. vestibuli [TA] SYN: oval window.

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fe·nes·tra fə-'nes-trə n, pl -trae -.trē, -.trī

1) a small anatomical opening (as in a bone): as

a) OVAL WINDOW

b) ROUND WINDOW

2 a) an opening like a window cut in bone (as in the inner ear in the fenestration operation)

b) a window cut in a surgical instrument (as an endoscope)

fe·nes·tral -trəl adj

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n.

(in anatomy) an opening resembling a window. The fenestra ovalis (fenestra vestibuli) - the oval window - is the opening between the middle ear and the vestibule of the inner ear. It is closed by a membrane to which the stapes is attached. The fenestra rotunda (fenestra cochleae) - the round window - is the opening between the scala tympani of the cochlea and the middle ear. Sound vibrations leave the cochlea through the fenestra rotunda which, like the fenestra ovalis, is closed by a membrane.

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fe·nes·tra (fə-nesґtrə) gen. and pl. fenesґtrae [L. “window”] 1. window (def. 1). 2. an opening in a bandage or cast. 3. an opening in the blade of a forceps.