adj pertaining to the aorta. aortic incompetence regurgitation of blood from aorta back into the left ventricle. aortic murmur abnormal heart sound heard over aortic area; a systolic murmur alone is the murmur of aortic stenosis, a diastolic murmur denotes aortic incompetence. The combination of both systolic and diastolic murmurs causes the so-called “to and fro” aortic murmur. aortic stenosis narrowing of aortic valve; usually due to rheumatic heart disease or a congenital bicuspid valve defect predisposing to deposit of calcium.

n main artery arising out of the left ventricle of the heart.

npl agents which reduce anxiety.

n the incus, the middle of the three small bones of the middle ear. Shaped like an anvil.

n the end of the alimentary canal, at the extreme termination of the rectum. Formed of a sphincter muscle which relaxes to allow fecal matter to pass through. artificial anus -> colostomy. imperforate anus -> imperforate – anal adj.

n absence of secretion of urine by the kidneys. -> suppres¬sion – anuric adj.

n a cavity, esp. in bone. antrum of Highmore in the superior maxillary bone – antral adj.

n an artificial opening from nasal cavity to antrum* of Highmore (maxillary sinus) for drainage.

adj pertaining to the maxillary antrum and the mouth. antrooral fistula can occur after extraction of an upper molar tooth, the root of which has protruded into the floor of the antrum.

n in treatment of duodenal ulcer, excision of pyloric antrum* of stomach, thus removing source of the hormone gastrin.