How Do You Spell CILIOSPINAL REFLEX?

Pronunciation: [sˌɪlɪəspˈa͡ɪnə͡l ɹˈiːflɛks] (IPA)

The word "ciliospinal reflex" is a medical term used to denote a particular neurological reflex. The word is pronounced as /sɪli.oʊˈspaɪ.nəl rɪˈflɛks/ and is spelled as "ciliospinal" because it combines the Latin word cilium, meaning "eyelash," with the word spinal, denoting the spinal cord. The reflex itself occurs when stroking the back of the neck causes the eyelids to close, a reaction that occurs due to the connection between the cervical and thoracic spinal cord segments and the muscles that control the eyelids. It is an important test in diagnosing certain neurological disorders.

CILIOSPINAL REFLEX Meaning and Definition

1. The ciliospinal reflex is a neurological reflex that involves the dilation of the eye's pupil in response to stimulation of the skin on the back of the neck or upper back. This reflex is mediated by the ciliospinal center, which is connected to both the sympathetic nervous system and the oculomotor nerves.

   When the skin on the back of the neck or upper back is stimulated, sensory impulses are transmitted to the ciliospinal center. This center then activates the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the dilation of the pupil. The dilation of the pupil allows more light to enter the eye, enhancing vision in low-light conditions.

   The ciliospinal reflex is an involuntary reflex, meaning it occurs automatically without conscious control. It is a protective mechanism that helps to optimize visual acuity in situations where increased light sensitivity is required, such as in dimly lit environments or when the individual is exposed to sudden bright lights.

   The ciliospinal reflex can be elicited by gentle stimulation of the back of the neck or upper back with a light touch or by applying a cold stimulus. Abnormal responses of the ciliospinal reflex can sometimes indicate neurological disorders or injuries, such as damage to the cervical spinal cord. Therefore, the reflex is commonly assessed during neurological examinations as a part of evaluating the function of the autonomic nervous system.

2. Pupillary-skin r.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CILIOSPINAL REFLEX

• ciliospinal reflep
• ciliospinal refley
• ciliospinnalreflex
• ciliospienalreflex
• c iliospinal reflex
• ci liospinal reflex
• cil iospinal reflex
• cili ospinal reflex
• cilio spinal reflex
• ciliospi nal reflex
• ciliospin al reflex
• ciliospina l reflex
• ciliospinal r eflex
• ciliospinal re flex
• ciliospinal ref lex
• ciliospinal refl ex
• ciliospinal refle x

Etymology of CILIOSPINAL REFLEX

The word "ciliospinal" has Greek roots. "Cilio" derives from the Greek word "kilos", meaning "eyelash", and "spinal" refers to the spinal cord. The word "reflex" is derived from the Latin word "reflexus", meaning "reflection" or "rebound". Therefore, the etymology of the term "ciliospinal reflex" combines Greek and Latin to describe a reflex that involves the eyelashes and the spinal cord.