| spinal cord | <anatomy> Elongated, approximately cylindrical part of the central nervous system of vertebrates that lies in the vertebral canal and from which the spinal nerves emerge. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| spinal cord compression | A condition in which pressure is exerted on the spinal cord, as by a tumour, spinal fracture, etc. Its manifestations, which vary with location and degree of pressure, may include pain, paresthesias, and sensory and motor disturbances. (12 Dec 1998) |
| spinal cord concussion | Injury to the spinal cord due to a blow to the vertebral column with transient or prolonged dysfunction below the level of the lesion. Synonym: spinal concussion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spinal cord injuries | Injuries to the spinal cord, that is, the part of the central nervous system that is situated within the vertebral column. (12 Dec 1998) |
| spinal cord injury | Any injury to the spinal cord via blunt or penetrating trauma. Extreme flexion or extension (particularly in the neck) of the spine can result in traction on the spinal cord with subsequent injury and the development of neurologic symptoms. See: neurologic symptoms. (27 Sep 1997) |
| spinal cord neoplasms | Neoplasms located in the spinal cord. They include neoplasms in the inner core or the outer layer of the cord, but not those in the protective membranes, or meninges ( = meningeal neoplasms). (12 Dec 1998) |
| spinal cord tumour | A spinal cord tumour is a aggregate if cells that form a mass that can compress the spinal cord. Spinal cord tumours may arise from local structures (for example meninges) or from a cancer from a distant site (i.e. Metastasis). Regardless of the aetiology, all spinal cord tumours cause symptoms from compression on the spinal cord, surrounding nerve roots or blood vessels that supply the cord. Symptoms are variable with the extent and the level of the spinal cord tumour. Common symptoms include back pain that may radiate, numbness and tingling to the lower extremities, muscle weakness in the legs, difficulty walking and loss of bowel and bladder control (incontinence). (27 Sep 1997) |
| spinal curvature | See: kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spinal curvatures | Deviations of the spine from its normal direction or position. (12 Dec 1998) |
| spinal decompression | The removal of pressure upon the spinal cord as created by a tumour, cyst, haematoma, nucleus pulposus, abscess, or bone. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spinal dysraphism | Developmental abnormalities of the dorsal median region in the embryo, involving ectoderm, mesoderm, and neuroectoderm in varying degrees. Dysraphism signifies incomplete fusion or malformation of a seam or junction. Spinal dysraphism includes all forms of spina bifida. The open form is called spina bifida cystica and the closed form is spina bifida occulta. (12 Dec 1998) |
| spinal fluid | <neurology> A clear, colourless fluid that contains small quantities of glucose and protein. Cerebrospinal fluid fills the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid can be accomplished using lumbar puncture. The presence of white blood cells or bacteria within the cerebrospinal fluid can indicate a bacterial infection (meningitis). Acronym: CSF (12 Jan 1998) |
| spinal fractures | Broken bones in the vertebral column. (12 Dec 1998) |
| spinal fusion | A procedure that involves fusing together two or more vertebrae in the spine using either bone grafts or metal rods (Harrington rods). This procedure may be used to correct kyphosis or scoliosis. It is also used in those who require spine stabilisation due to vertebral damage from ruptures discs, fractures, osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis or tumour. (27 Sep 1997) |
| spinal ganglion | <anatomy> Enlargement of the dorsal root of the spinal cord containing cell bodies of afferent spinal neurons. Neural outgrowth from dorsal root ganglia has been studied extensively in vitro. (18 Nov 1997) |