raphe (anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Anatomically, a raphe is derived from the Greek word for a seam. It describes the intersection or seam in a tissue or organ between two separate parts, particularly when they were embryologically separate from each other. Commonly, it is used with reference to the structure forming the fused ends of two flat muscle sheets. Examples include:
- anococcygeal raphe
- bulbospongiosus raphe
- lateral palpebral raphe
- mylohyoid raphe
- pharyngeal raphe
- pterygomandibular raphe