HealthAugust 30, 2026

atria

AY-tree-uh

Definition

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins and pump it into the ventricles.

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'atrium,' originally referring to the main central hall or courtyard of a Roman house, which was later adopted in anatomy for chamber-like structures.

In the news

The article uses the term to explain the anatomical location of the irregular rhythm associated with atrial fibrillation, noting how the heart's upper chambers beat chaotically.

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South China Morning Post

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