🏺 A handle 🔄 A loop structure 🧪 A molecular bridge

ansa

1 9.9

A loop-shaped part found in the body or in space

noun
/ˈæn.sə/

Specialized

: ansa

The anatomical diagram clearly labeled the ansa looping around the artery.

Examples

The surgeon identified the ansa in the nerve during the operation.
In astronomy, the ansa refers to the bright ends of Saturn's rings.
The ansa is crucial for stability.
In anatomy, an ansa refers to a loop structure.
The anatomical diagram clearly labeled the ansa looping around the artery.
In astronomy, the ansa refers to the bright ends of Saturn's rings.
The surgeon identified the ansa in the nerve during the operation.

Surface Forms

ansa singular

ansae plural

Etymology

Ansa comes from Latin ansa, meaning 'handle' or 'loop'. In anatomy and astronomy, an ansa is a loop-shaped or handle-like part, so the old word explains why we call curved nerve loops and the bright 'handles' of Saturn's rings an ansa.