fornix

noun

for·​nix ˈfȯr-niks 

plural fornices ˈfȯr-nə-ˌsēz 

: an anatomical arch or fold: such as

a

: the junction where the conjunctiva lining the eyelid meets the conjunctiva overlying the sclera

b

: a body of nerve fibers lying beneath the corpus callosum with which they are continuous posteriorly and serving to integrate the hippocampus with other parts of the brain

c

: the vaulted upper part of the vagina surrounding the uterine cervix

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In Alzheimer’s disease, the memory circuits in the brain, which include a notable structure called the fornix, are affected. —Wissam Deeb, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2019

The fornix, a tiny part of the brain, may hold some clues to memory loss. —Wissam Deeb, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2019

The hypothalamus is involved in regulating appetite, not memory - but the fornix, a nerve bundle that passes through that area, is. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2010

While the menstrual cup sits in the vaginal canal where a tampon also sits, menstrual discs sit at the vaginal fornix, which is deeper into the vaginal canal. —Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, 6 July 2020

The fornix connects the hippocampus to other areas of the brain and seems to play an important role in memory, researchers say. —Monte Whaley, The Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fornix

noun

for·​nix ˈfȯr-niks 

plural fornices -nə-ˌsēz 

: an anatomical arch or fold: as

a

: the vault of the cranium

b

: the junction where the conjunctiva lining the eyelid meets the conjunctiva overlying the sclera

c

: a body of nerve fibers lying beneath the corpus callosum with which they are continuous posteriorly and serving to integrate the hippocampus with other parts of the brain

d

: the vaulted upper part of the vagina surrounding the uterine cervix

e

: the fundus of the stomach

f

: the vault of the pharynx