MEDULLARY CANAL Meaning and
Definition
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The medullary canal, also known as the marrow cavity or endosteal cavity, is a central hollow region that runs through the long bones of animals, including humans. It is primarily found in the diaphysis, or the shaft, of long bones such as the femur or humerus. The medullary canal houses the bone marrow, a soft, spongy tissue which is responsible for producing various blood cells.
This canal is essential for both structural and physiological purposes. Structurally, the medullary canal provides support to the bone, increasing its strength and stability, while also reducing its weight. It is lined with a thin layer called endosteum, which contains osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone remodeling and maintenance.
Physiologically, the medullary canal acts as a storage site for red and yellow bone marrow. Red marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, while yellow marrow consists mainly of fat cells. The balance between red and yellow marrow can vary depending on the age and health of the individual.
In certain pathological conditions, such as osteoporosis or bone tumors, the medullary canal can become abnormally enlarged or narrowed, affecting the overall bone health. Additionally, during bone fractures, the medullary canal may be involved in the healing process as it provides a pathway for the migration of new blood vessels and bone-forming cells.
Overall, the medullary canal plays a crucial role in bone function, providing the necessary environment for blood cell production and maintaining the overall health and integrity of the skeletal system.
Common Misspellings for MEDULLARY CANAL
- nedullary canal
- kedullary canal
- jedullary canal
- mwdullary canal
- msdullary canal
- mddullary canal
- mrdullary canal
- m4dullary canal
- m3dullary canal
- mesullary canal
- mexullary canal
- mecullary canal
- mefullary canal
- merullary canal
- meeullary canal
- medyllary canal
- medhllary canal
- medjllary canal
- medillary canal
- med8llary canal
Etymology of MEDULLARY CANAL
The word "medullary" comes from the Latin term "medulla", meaning "marrow" or "pith". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "medhu", which relates to "honey" or "sap". In Latin, "canalis" means "pipe" or "channel".
Therefore, when combined, the term "medullary canal" refers to a channel or passage through the center of a bone that contains bone marrow, which is reminiscent of the medulla or marrow within the bone.
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