The correct spelling for the part of the spinal cord called "velum terminale" can be a little tricky. It is pronounced /ˈviːləm ˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪli/ and can be broken down into "velum" which is a Latin word meaning "curtain" and "terminale" which means "ending". The word is spelled with a "v" instead of a "b" as one might expect because it comes from the Latin language. Overall, the spelling of "velum terminale" can be a bit of a mouthful, but it is nevertheless important to get it right.
Velum terminale is a term that refers to a thin, fibrous membrane located within the spinal cord. Specifically, it is a delicate extension of the pia mater, which is one of the three layers that make up the protective covering of the spinal cord. The pia mater is the innermost layer and provides essential support and nourishment to the spinal cord.
The velum terminale plays a crucial role in stabilizing the spinal cord within the spinal canal. It serves as an anchor point, attaching the end of the spinal cord to the coccyx, or the tailbone, suspending it in place. This helps to prevent excessive movements of the spinal cord and protects it from being stretched or compressed during bodily movements.
Additionally, the velum terminale contains a long, thin strand of connective tissue known as the filum terminale. This structure extends from the tip of the spinal cord, near the conus medullaris, to the coccyx. The filum terminale acts as a guide for the spinal cord, ensuring that it remains in its appropriate position within the spinal canal.
Overall, the velum terminale, along with the filum terminale, not only provide crucial stability to the spinal cord but also play a significant role in maintaining the proper alignment and functioning of the central nervous system.
Lamina terminalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "velum terminale" has its roots in Latin.
"Velum" in Latin means "curtain" or "veil". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wel-" meaning "to cover" or "to veil".
"Terminale" comes from the Latin word "terminus", meaning "boundary" or "end". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*terə-", which means "to cross over" or "to pass through".
In the context of anatomy, the "velum terminale" refers to a thin membrane-like structure in the spinal cord that helps to anchor and support the spinal cord within the vertebral column.