Exter

/ˈɛkstər/ noun

Definition

In anatomy, the outer layer or external aspect of a bodily structure or organ; relating to the outside.

Etymology

From Latin exterus (outer, external), the comparative form of exter meaning 'outside.' This technical anatomical term is rarely used in modern medicine, which prefers terms like 'external' or 'superficial.'

Kelly Says

Medieval anatomists used 'exter' to distinguish the outer layer of organs from the inner layers—it's a word that lost out to clearer terminology, but shows how anatomy once borrowed directly from Latin structure.

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