What is the Plural Form of Pylori?
Pylori is already a plural form; it is the plural of the noun pylorus. Therefore, it does not have a further plural form.
Understanding the Term: Pylorus and Pylori
The term "pylori" is derived directly from "pylorus" as its plural. This grammatical relationship is similar to how "octopi" is the plural of "octopus" or "fungi" is the plural of "fungus." When referring to multiple instances of the anatomical structure known as the pylorus, or in specific scientific nomenclature, the form "pylori" is correctly used.
What is the Pylorus?
The pylorus (pronounced py-ˈlōr-əs or pə-ˈlȯr-) is an essential anatomical part of the digestive system. It is defined as:
- The opening that connects the vertebrate stomach to the intestine. This opening serves as a crucial gateway, regulating the flow of partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
- It works in conjunction with the pyloric sphincter, a ring of muscle that controls the opening and closing of this passage.
Grammatical Forms
To clearly illustrate the relationship between the singular and plural forms, refer to the table below:
| Form | Word | Pronunciation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singular | Pylorus | py-ˈlōr-əs, pə-ˈlȯr- | The specific anatomical opening from the stomach into the intestine. |
| Plural | Pylori | -ˈlō(ə)r-ˌī, -(ˌ)ē | Used when referring to more than one pylorus or as a component in certain biological classifications. |
Common Usage: Helicobacter pylori
One of the most widely recognized contexts in which "pylori" is encountered is in the scientific name of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is significant in human health because it is a common cause of:
- Chronic gastritis
- Peptic ulcers
- In some instances, it is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer
In this nomenclature, "pylori" functions as the specific epithet of the bacterium, and its plural derivation from "pylorus" reflects its association with the pyloric region of the stomach.
Key Takeaways:
- Pylori is the correct plural form of pylorus.
- It signifies multiple anatomical pyloruses.
- The term is prominently featured in the name of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
