The term "tubus medullaris" refers to the spinal cord in Latin. The pronunciation of this term is /ˈtjuːbəs mɛˈdʊlərɪs/ with the accent on the second syllable. The word "tubus" means tube or cylinder, while "medullaris" pertains to the medulla or the innermost part of an organ. The correct spelling of this term is important to avoid confusion in medical contexts related to the spinal cord, as well as in academic writing. Always double-check the spelling when using unfamiliar medical terminology.
Tubus medullaris refers to a specific anatomical structure in the human body, particularly in the context of the central nervous system. The term originated from Latin, where "tubus" means tube or pipe, and "medullaris" pertains to the medulla or the inner portion of an organ.
In anatomy, the tubus medullaris specifically refers to the caudal (inferior) end of the spinal cord. As the spinal cord descends within the vertebral column, it progressively tapers towards its lower termination, forming a slender, cylindrical structure at its base, which is the tubus medullaris. This structure represents the final portion of the spinal cord and is typically located at the level of the first or second lumbar vertebral body.
The tubus medullaris is composed of specialized nervous tissue and contains the lowermost spinal nerve roots known as the cauda equina, which resemble a horse's tail. These nerve roots emanate from the spinal cord segments above the tubus medullaris and then course through the spinal canal, eventually exiting the vertebral column via the intervertebral foramina. The tubus medullaris serves as the ending point for transmitting signals and sensory information from the spinal cord, marking the termination of the central nervous system within the vertebral column.
Understanding the anatomical structure of the tubus medullaris is crucial for various medical disciplines, including neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology, as it plays a fundamental role in spinal cord function and pathological conditions associated with this region.
Vertebral canal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tubus medullaris" is derived from Latin.
The term "tubus" originally means a tube or pipe in Latin. In the context of anatomy, "tubus" refers to a duct or a cylindrical structure, describing the shape of the anatomical structure.
The word "medullaris" comes from the Latin word "medulla", which means marrow. In anatomy, "medullaris" is used to describe something relating to the spinal cord or inner parts of organs, as the spinal cord is composed of gray and white matter, resembling the inner part or marrow of bones.
So, "tubus medullaris" essentially translates to "marrow-like tube" or "spinal tube" in English, referring to the anatomical structure of the spinal cord.