In
anatomy, a 'viscus' (
plural: ''viscera'') is an internal
organ of an animal (including humans), in particular an internal organ of the
thorax or
abdomen. The viscera, when removed from a butchered animal, are known collectively as
offal. Internal organs are also known as "innards", or less formally, "guts" (which may also refer to the
gastrointestinal tract).
The adjective ''visceral'' is used for anything pertaining to the internal organs. Historically, viscera of animals were examined by
Roman pagan
priests like the
haruspices or the
augurs in order to divine the future by their shape, dimensions or other factors.
See also
★
Anatomical terms of location
★
Visceroptosis