WHITE COMMISSURE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "white commissure" refers to a specific anatomical feature found in the central nervous system (CNS). It is a band-like structure composed of white matter that connects the two sides, or hemispheres, of the spinal cord. More specifically, the white commissure spans the midline of the spinal cord, allowing for communication and coordination between the left and right halves.
The white commissure plays a critical role in transmitting nerve impulses across the spinal cord. It contains bundles of nerve fibers known as axons, which act as the primary conduits for carrying signals between different regions of the spinal cord. These axons include both ascending and descending tracts that transmit sensory information (such as pain, temperature, and touch) to the brain and motor signals from the brain to muscles and other organs.
Composed mainly of myelinated axons, the white commissure appears white due to the high lipid content of the myelin sheaths that surround the axons. Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axons, providing insulation and speeding up the conduction of nerve impulses.
Overall, the white commissure serves as a crucial structural and functional component of the spinal cord, facilitating the efficient transmission of information between the two sides of the CNS. Its proper functioning is essential for coordinating movement, sensory perception, and other vital processes mediated by the spinal cord.
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Commissura anterior alba.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for WHITE COMMISSURE
- qhite commissure
- ahite commissure
- shite commissure
- ehite commissure
- 3hite commissure
- 2hite commissure
- wgite commissure
- wbite commissure
- wnite commissure
- wjite commissure
- wuite commissure
- wyite commissure
- whute commissure
- whjte commissure
- whkte commissure
- whote commissure
- wh9te commissure
- wh8te commissure
- whire commissure
- whife commissure
Etymology of WHITE COMMISSURE
The etymology of the word "white commissure" can be understood by breaking down and examining its components:1. White: The term "white" in this context refers to the color of the structure being described. It originates from the Old English word "hwit", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hwitaz". This word has Indo-European roots and is connected to various other languages, such as Old High German "hwiz" and Sanskrit "svetah", all referring to the color white.2. Commissure: The word "commissure" comes from the Latin term "commissura", which means a joining or union. It is related to the Latin verb "committere", which indicates a bringing together or connecting. In neuroscience, a commissure generally refers to a bundle of nerve fibers that connect the two sides or hemispheres of the brain or spinal cord.
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