Anatomy
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is the Infundibulum?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The term “infundibulum” is used to describe any anatomical structure which has a funnel-like shape, whether the structure forms an opening or is solid in nature. A number of structures can be referred to as infundibula, ranging from structures inside the ears to parts of the kidneys, and including everything from solid bones to funnel-like tubes which are used to move air or fluids around inside the body. The specific body part being referenced is usually clear from the context in which the word is used, although there are alternate names for many of these anatomical structures which can be used for clarity.

In women, the area of the fallopian tube which opens to the ovary is known as the infundibulum. Working up through the body, people of all sexes have infundibula in their kidneys, also known as calyxes. These structures are part of the filtration and drainage system which keeps fluid moving through the kidneys so that it can be processed to remove waste products, retain necessary salts, and keep the balance of salts in the blood stable.

The ear also contains a structure known as the infundibulum, inside the cochlea of the ear, which plays a role in hearing and the processing of sound.
The ear also contains a structure known as the infundibulum, inside the cochlea of the ear, which plays a role in hearing and the processing of sound.

The heart also has an infundibulum, known as the conus arteriosus, which carries outflow away from the right ventricle. Likewise, the lungs have infundibula in the form of alveolar sacs. The ear also contains a structure known as the infundibulum, inside the cochlea of the ear, which plays a role in hearing and the processing of sound.

Yet another structure known as an infundibulum on occasion is the pituitary stalk, which descends from the pituitary gland in the brain. This structure connects the pituitary to the hypothalamus of the brain, and it is involved in the release of hormones produced in the pituitary gland. There's another structure near the brain sometimes known as the infundibulum; the ethmoid bone or ethmoid infundibulum which makes up part of the eye socket. This bone is situated between the brain and the nasal cavity and acts as a barrier between these two areas.

In women, the area of the fallopian tube which opens to the ovary is known as the infundibulum.
In women, the area of the fallopian tube which opens to the ovary is known as the infundibulum.

The term “infundibulum” can also be seen in use in a nonmedical setting. It is sometimes used in geometry, for example, to describe shapes with a funnel like appearance, and in other settings when people wish to describe something as funnel-like. The adjectival form of this word is “infundibular,” incidentally, for any wiseGEEK readers who suspect that they may have a pressing need to describe something with a funnel-like appearance in the near future.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

lluviaporos

I came across the word infundibular when I took a botany course. It can also be used to describe certain kinds of plant parts when they look like funnels.

I thought at first that it must be a weird combination of Greek or Latin words, but apparently it is just straight up the Latin word for funnel. That's kind of boring, really and I think it makes it more difficult to remember!

But I didn't know it was used to describe animal parts as well as plant parts.

KoiwiGal

@bythewell - I would have been impressed! I would have been even more impressed if you had managed to work in a reference to one of the biological infundibulums while commenting on the funnel. After all, if there are infundibulums in the brain and kidneys, they are quite relevant to someone drinking large quantities of alcohol.

But then I am the kind of person who knows the word because I read it in a science fiction novel where it referred to a black hole.

I actually think that's a perfect kind of word for a black hole, as they always look funnel shaped in mathematical diagrams, and it also looks kind of like "infinite" which is also a word that seems relevant.

bythewell

Infundibular does seem like the kind of word that might be useful to keep in the back of your mind, so you can whip it out in order to impress the ladies (or gentlemen).

I guess I don't use funnels all that often, though, except maybe in cooking, so I'm not sure when it I would use it in company. The last occasion it might have come in useful was at a 21st I attended where the birthday boy was made to drink beer through a funnel.

However I don't think, by that point of the party, that I could have possibly said such a convoluted word. And even if I could, I doubt anyone would have been sober enough to be impressed!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The ear also contains a structure known as the infundibulum, inside the cochlea of the ear, which plays a role in hearing and the processing of sound.
      By: kocakayaali
      The ear also contains a structure known as the infundibulum, inside the cochlea of the ear, which plays a role in hearing and the processing of sound.
    • In women, the area of the fallopian tube which opens to the ovary is known as the infundibulum.
      By: pankajstock123
      In women, the area of the fallopian tube which opens to the ovary is known as the infundibulum.
    • The heart also has an infundibulum, known as the conus arteriosus, which carries outflow away from the right ventricle.
      By: stockshoppe
      The heart also has an infundibulum, known as the conus arteriosus, which carries outflow away from the right ventricle.
    • The pituitary stalk, which descends from the pituitary gland in the brain, is sometimes known as the infundibulum.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      The pituitary stalk, which descends from the pituitary gland in the brain, is sometimes known as the infundibulum.
    • Parts of the kidneys may be referred to as infundibula.
      By: pixdesign123
      Parts of the kidneys may be referred to as infundibula.
    • The area of the fallopian tube that opens to the ovary is known as the infundibulum.
      By: kocakayaali
      The area of the fallopian tube that opens to the ovary is known as the infundibulum.