Spinal marrow is the soft, jelly-like tissue that runs through the center of the spinal cord. The correct spelling is "spinal marrow," with the IPA phonetic transcription of /ˈspaɪnəl ˈmær.oʊ/. This means that the first syllable is stressed, pronounced with a long "i" sound, and the second syllable has a schwa sound. The word "marrow" is also spelled with a double "r," which is pronounced with a rolled "r" sound. The spelling of this word is essential in medical contexts, as it is used to accurately describe the anatomy of the spinal cord.
Spinal marrow, also commonly known as the spinal cord, is a vital component of the central nervous system (CNS), which functions as the primary relay for sensory and motor impulses within the body. It is a long, cylindrical bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain down through the vertebral column, protected by the bony structures known as vertebrae.
The spinal marrow is responsible for transmitting sensory information received from the body to the brain and coordinating motor responses from the brain to various muscles and organs. It serves as a critical pathway for communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Composed of millions of specialized nerve cells called neurons, the spinal marrow can be divided into different regions, each with specific functions. The dorsal region carries sensory signals to the brain, while the ventral region transmits motor signals from the brain to muscles and glands. Additionally, the spinal marrow contains gray and white matter. The gray matter comprises cell bodies and unmyelinated axons, while the white matter consists of myelinated nerve fibers providing a pathway for signal transmission.
Damage or injury to the spinal marrow can result in severe impairments, such as paralysis or loss of sensation below the site of the injury. It plays a crucial role in many essential bodily functions like movement, reflexes, and coordination.
Overall, the spinal marrow is an essential and intricate part of the central nervous system, connecting the brain to the entire body and enabling the transfer of information necessary for normal bodily function.
• Medulla spinalis.
• Spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The greyish-white matter lodged in the interior of the spinal column or backbone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "spinal marrow" originates from the combination of two separate words: "spinal" and "marrow".
The word "spinal" originated from the Latin word "spina", which means "thorn" or "spine". It refers to the backbone or vertebral column, which protects the spinal cord.
On the other hand, "marrow" comes from the Old English word "mearh" or "mearg", which means "soft inner substance" or "essence". It was later influenced by the Old French word "moëlle" and the Latin word "medulla", both of which share similar meanings.
When combined, "spinal marrow" therefore refers to the soft inner substance or essence that resides within the spinal column or backbone. It primarily refers to the spinal cord, which is a vital part of the central nervous system.