Word parts
What it means
A thin dividing wall. The nasal septum separates the two nostrils; a deviated septum is one that is off-center. In the heart, the atrial septum separates the two upper chambers and the ventricular septum the two lower ones. A hole in either is a congenital heart defect, such as an atrial septal defectAY-tree-ul SEP-tul DEE-fektA hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.atri/o atrium (upper heart chamber)sept/o wall, partition-al relating toFull entry or a ventricular septal defect.
For the nurse
Pressure from a nasal cannula or a nasogastric tube can damage the nasal septum; check the skin inside the nostrils.
At a glance
| Spanish | tabique |
|---|---|
| Also written | septa, septal |
Related terms
ventricle
One of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.
atrial septal defect
A hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.
atrium
One of the two upper chambers of the heart, which receive blood coming back to the heart.