SPINAL CORD Meaning and
Definition
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The spinal cord is an integral part of the central nervous system (CNS) found in vertebrates, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. It is a long, cylindrical, and flexible bundle of nerve fibers protected and surrounded by the spinal column or vertebral column. The primary function of the spinal cord is to relay signals between the brain and the body, facilitating communication and transmitting sensory information for reflex actions.
Composed of soft, gray matter surrounded by white matter, the spinal cord carries vital motor signals to different body parts, allowing voluntary and involuntary movements. The gray matter consists of nerve cells and is particularly responsible for processing incoming sensory information, regulating reflex patterns, and controlling motor responses. On the other hand, the white matter comprises nerve fibers that serve as communication channels between various parts of the body and the brain.
The spinal cord plays a crucial role in bodily functions, such as regulating coordination, movement, and sensation. Additionally, it coordinates involuntary processes like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion. Damage to the spinal cord can result in severe disabilities or paralysis, depending on the location and extent of the injury. Various medical conditions, accidents, or trauma can affect the spinal cord, impairing its ability to transmit signals effectively and leading to loss of function below the injury site. Treatments, rehabilitation, and ongoing research aim to mitigate the impact of spinal cord injuries and enhance quality of life for those affected.
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• Spinal marrow, medulla spinalis, the portion of the central nervous system contained within the spinal, or vertebral, canal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for SPINAL CORD *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SPINAL CORD
- apinal cord
- zpinal cord
- xpinal cord
- dpinal cord
- epinal cord
- wpinal cord
- soinal cord
- slinal cord
- s-inal cord
- s0inal cord
- spunal cord
- spjnal cord
- spknal cord
- sponal cord
- sp9nal cord
- sp8nal cord
- spibal cord
- spimal cord
- spijal cord
Etymology of SPINAL CORD
The term "spinal cord" comes from the combination of two different etymologies.
1. "Spinal" is derived from the Latin word "spina", meaning "thorn" or "spine". This term was used to refer to the bones of the spine or vertebral column, as they resemble thorns or spines.
2. "Cord" comes from the Latin word "chorda", which means "string" or "rope". It refers to the long, slender, tube-like structure that runs within the vertebral column.
Therefore, the combination of these two words gives us the term "spinal cord", which refers to the long, cord-like structure enclosed within the spine or vertebral column.
Similar spelling words for SPINAL CORD
- spinal nerve,
- spinal chord,
- spinal-cord-injury class,
- spinal-cord injuries,
- spinal fusion,
- spinally,
- spinal fluid,
- spinal column,
- spinal vein,
- spinal canal,
- spinal tap.
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