excavation

excavation /ex·ca·va·tion/ (-shun)

1. the act of hollowing out.

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

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

dental excavation  removal of carious material from a tooth in preparation for filling.

rectouterine excavation  a sac formed by a fold of peritoneum dipping down between the uterus and rectum.

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.

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ex·ca·va·tion (ksk-vshn)

n.

1. A natural cavity, pouch, or recess.

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

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excavation

1. the act of hollowing out.

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

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atrophic excavation

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

optic disk excavation

a normally occurring depression in the center of the optic disk.

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.