What is a Septum?
A septum is a wall or membrane that divides a cavity or structure into smaller compartments. This definition applies across various anatomical contexts.
The most commonly understood septum is the nasal septum, a wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two separate chambers. As explained by Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16924-deviated-septum), a deviated septum occurs when this structure is off-center, often causing breathing difficulties. This deviation can be present from birth or result from injury. The Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deviated-septum/symptoms-causes/syc-20351710) and Johns Hopkins Medicine (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/deviated-septum) both corroborate this description.
- Function: Separates the nasal passages, facilitating airflow.
- Composition: Cartilage and bone.
- Issues: A deviated septum can obstruct breathing, leading to nasal congestion.
Other Septa
Septa are also found in other parts of the body. For instance, a vaginal septum is a partition of tissue that can divide the vagina during fetal development (https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/vaginal-septum/). The term "septum" is a broader anatomical term referring to any dividing wall, as defined by Merriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septum). Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septum) further clarifies that "septum" (Latin for "something that encloses") refers to walls dividing cavities or structures.
Septum Piercing
In the context of body piercing, a septum piercing penetrates the soft tissue of the nose's septum, not the cartilage itself (https://www.body-piercing.com/blog/what-is-a-septum-piercing/).
