CRANIAL VERTEBRA Meaning and
Definition
-
Cranial vertebra refers to any of the bony segments that make up the cranium, which is the skull of vertebrates. The cranium acts as a protective casing for the brain, as well as other sensory organs such as the eyes, ears, and nose. It is composed of several individual cranial bones, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones. These bones articulate with each other to form joints known as cranial sutures, allowing for minimal movement and providing stability to the skull.
Each cranial vertebra serves a specific purpose in the overall structure and function of the cranium. The frontal bone, for example, forms the forehead and provides protection to the frontal lobes of the brain. The occipital bone is located at the back of the skull and contains a prominent opening called the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord passes.
Together, the cranial vertebrae create a strong and durable framework for the skull, shielding the delicate brain from external forces. They also support the various sensory organs and provide attachment sites for muscles involved in facial expressions, jaw movements, and head positioning.
The study of cranial vertebrae is essential in the fields of anatomy, zoology, and paleontology, as it helps researchers understand the evolutionary development of the skull and its adaptations to different environments and lifestyles.
-
A segment of the skull regarded as homologous with a spinal vertebra.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRANIAL VERTEBRA
- xranial vertebra
- vranial vertebra
- franial vertebra
- dranial vertebra
- ceanial vertebra
- cdanial vertebra
- cfanial vertebra
- ctanial vertebra
- c5anial vertebra
- c4anial vertebra
- crznial vertebra
- crsnial vertebra
- crwnial vertebra
- crqnial vertebra
- crabial vertebra
- cramial vertebra
- crajial vertebra
- crahial vertebra
- cranual vertebra
- cranjal vertebra
Etymology of CRANIAL VERTEBRA
The term "cranial vertebra" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two anatomical terms derived from different origins.
The word "cranial" comes from the Latin word "cranium", which means "skull". It has its roots in the Greek word "kranion" meaning "skull" as well. The Latin term "cranium" referred to the part of the skull that encloses the brain.
On the other hand, "vertebra" comes from the Latin word "vertebra", meaning "joint or articulation". This term is derived from the verb "verto", which means "to turn".
Therefore, "cranial vertebra" is a combination of the Latin term "cranium" meaning "skull" and the Latin term "vertebra" meaning "joint". It refers to the specific vertebrae located in the skull or cranium area.
Similar spelling word for CRANIAL VERTEBRA
