excavation

excavation

 [eks″kah-va´shun]

1. the act of hollowing out.

2. a hollowed-out space, or pouchlike cavity.

atrophic excavation cupping of the optic disk, due to atrophy of the optic nerve fibers.

excavation of optic disk (physiologic excavation) a normally occurring depression in the center of the optic disk.

rectouterine excavation Douglas' cul-de-sac.

rectovesical excavation the space between the rectum and bladder in the peritoneal cavity of the male.

vesicouterine excavation the space between the bladder and uterus in the peritoneal cavity of the female.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

ex·ca·va·tion

(eks'kă-vā'shŭn),

1. A natural cavity, pouch, or recess; a sunken or depressed area. Synonym(s): depression (2) [TA], excavatio

2. A cavity formed artificially or as the result of a pathologic process.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

ex·ca·va·tion

(eks'kă-vā'shŭn)

1. A natural cavity, pouch, or recess.
Synonym(s): excavatio [TA] .

2. A cavity formed artificially or as the result of a pathologic process.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012