General Anatomy · Cardiovascular System · Medium

Subclavian

Meaning: Relating to the large artery or vein lying beneath the collarbone, supplying or draining the upper limb.

In practice: A central line was inserted into the subclavian vein under ultrasound guidance.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: The foreskin; the retractable fold of skin covering the tip of the penis or clitoris.

Which word means: Flexible tissue that cushions joints and shapes structures like the nose.

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