How Do You Spell THORACOLUMBAR?

Pronunciation: [θˈɔːɹɐkˌɒləmbˌɑː] (IPA)

Thoracolumbar is a medical term that refers to the region of the spine where the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae meet. The spelling of this word can be understood through its IPA phonetic transcription: /θɔːrəkəˈlʌmbɑːr/. The "th" sound is represented by the letters "th", the "o" sound is long and pronounced as "aw," and the "a" sound is pronounced as "uh." The accent is on the second syllable, and the final "r" is silent. The word combines the Latin roots for thorax and lumbar, which are the regions of the chest and lower back respectively.

THORACOLUMBAR Meaning and Definition

1. Thoracolumbar refers to the region of the human body that encompasses both the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. Specifically, it relates to the area where the thoracic spine (located in the upper back) transitions to the lumbar spine (found in the lower back).

   The thoracolumbar region is crucial in providing structural stability and flexibility to the trunk of the body. It serves as a connection point between the rib cage and the pelvis, playing a significant role in supporting the weight and movements of the upper body.

   In medical and anatomical contexts, the term thoracolumbar is often used to describe various structures, processes, or conditions related to this particular region. For instance, thoracolumbar vertebrae refer to the specific bones in the spine that are situated between the thoracic and lumbar regions. Thoracolumbar fascia refers to a sheet-like connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles in the region.

   Furthermore, the thoracolumbar region is also relevant in neurological discussions, as it contains the thoracolumbar part of the sympathetic nervous system. This portion is responsible for regulating various involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

   Overall, thoracolumbar is an adjective that pertains to the anatomical area joining the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine, which is vital for postural support, movement, and neurological functions.

2. Relating to the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spine, a term applied to the thoracic and lumbar ganglia and associated fibers constituting the sympathetic nervous system proper, as distinguished from the autonomic system.

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

Common Misspellings for THORACOLUMBAR

• rhoracolumbar
• fhoracolumbar
• ghoracolumbar
• yhoracolumbar
• 6horacolumbar
• 5horacolumbar
• tgoracolumbar
• tboracolumbar
• tnoracolumbar
• tjoracolumbar
• tuoracolumbar
• tyoracolumbar
• thiracolumbar
• thkracolumbar
• thlracolumbar
• thpracolumbar
• th0racolumbar
• th9racolumbar
• thoeacolumbar
• thodacolumbar

Etymology of THORACOLUMBAR

The word "thoracolumbar" is composed of two parts: "thoraco" and "lumbar".

1. "Thoraco" is derived from the Latin word "thorax", which means "chest" or "breastplate". It refers to the region of the body situated between the neck and the abdomen, encompassing the chest cavity.

2. "Lumbar" is derived from the Latin word "lumbus", which translates to "loin" or "lower back". It specifically refers to the area of the back between the thoracic and sacral regions.

Therefore, "thoracolumbar" combines the concepts of the chest and the lower back, typically used to describe anatomical structures or medical conditions related to this region of the body.