EPIDURAL SPACES Meaning and
Definition
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Epidural spaces refer to the anatomical regions within the spinal column that are located outside the dura mater, the protective membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. The term "epidural" is derived from the Greek words "epi," meaning "upon" or "above," and "dura," which refers to the dura mater. The epidural space is composed of loose connective tissue, blood vessels, and fat, and it provides a cushioning effect around the spinal cord and nerve roots, protecting them from injury and providing structural support.
Epidural spaces play a crucial role in medical procedures such as epidural anesthesia and analgesia. Epidural anesthesia involves the injection of local anesthetics into the epidural space to temporarily block nerve impulses and provide pain relief during surgical procedures or childbirth. Epidural analgesia, on the other hand, involves the continuous infusion of medication into the epidural space to alleviate pain during labor or postoperative recovery. The epidural space allows for the targeted delivery of medication to specific dermatomes (areas of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve) and provides long-lasting pain relief without affecting consciousness.
Epidural spaces are also important sites for the deposition of epidural blood and epidural abscesses. Epidural hematoma refers to the accumulation of blood in the epidural space usually due to trauma or ruptured blood vessels, while an epidural abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection or inflammation. Both conditions can exert pressure on the spinal cord and its associated nerve roots, leading to neurological symptoms such as pain, weakness, and even paralysis. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to evacuate the blood or pus and relieve the pressure on the spinal cord.
Common Misspellings for EPIDURAL SPACES
- wpidural spaces
- spidural spaces
- dpidural spaces
- rpidural spaces
- 4pidural spaces
- 3pidural spaces
- eoidural spaces
- elidural spaces
- e-idural spaces
- e0idural spaces
- epudural spaces
- epjdural spaces
- epkdural spaces
- epodural spaces
- ep9dural spaces
- ep8dural spaces
- episural spaces
- epixural spaces
- epicural spaces
- epifural spaces
Etymology of EPIDURAL SPACES
The word "epidural" has its roots in the Ancient Greek language. It consists of two parts: "epi", meaning "upon" or "over", and "dura", meaning "hard" or "tough". The term "epidural" was first used in anatomy to refer to the space just outside the dura mater, which is the tough outermost membrane surrounding the spinal cord.
The word "spaces" in "epidural spaces" refers to the anatomical cavities or gaps between structures. In the case of the epidural space, it is the area between the dura mater and the vertebral canal, containing fat, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Therefore, the term "epidural spaces" is essentially a combination of these elements, indicating the location and nature of the anatomical area in question.
