infundibulum

noun

in·​fun·​dib·​u·​lum ˌin-(ˌ)fən-ˈdi-byə-ləm 

plural infundibula ˌin-(ˌ)fən-ˈdi-byə-lə 

: any of various funnel-shaped organs or parts: such as

a

: the hollow conical process of gray matter connecting the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus

b

: the calyx of a kidney

c

: the abdominal opening of a fallopian tube

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, funnel — more at funnel

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

infundibulum

noun

in·​fun·​dib·​u·​lum ˌin-(ˌ)fən-ˈdib-yə-ləm 

plural infundibula -lə 

: any of various conical or dilated organs or parts:

a

: the hollow conical process of gray matter that is borne on the tuber cinereum and constitutes the stalk of the neurohypophysis by which the pituitary gland is continuous with the brain

called also neural stalk

b

: any of the small spaces having walls beset with air sacs in which the bronchial tubes terminate in the lungs

c

: conus arteriosus

d

: the passage by which the anterior ethmoidal air cells and the frontal sinuses communicate with the nose

e

: the abdominal opening of a fallopian tube