CANALIS SPINALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Canalis spinalis, also known as the spinal canal, refers to the central passageway within the vertebral column through which the spinal cord travels. It is a hollow, bony canal that runs longitudinally along the length of the vertebral column, enclosed and protected by the stacked vertebrae.
The canalis spinalis is formed by the vertebral arches of adjacent vertebrae, which meet to create a continuous tunnel-like structure. This arch-shaped channel is essential for housing and safeguarding the spinal cord, an important part of the central nervous system responsible for transmitting sensory and motor signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
The width and shape of the canalis spinalis may vary along its course, reflecting the different requirements of the spinal cord at various levels. It is wider in regions where the spinal cord enlarges, such as in the cervical and lumbar regions, to accommodate increased neural activity.
The spinal canal also provides protection to other vital structures, such as the meninges (the three layers of membrane that encase the spinal cord) and cerebrospinal fluid, which circulates around the brain and spinal cord for protection and nourishment.
Abnormal narrowing or stenosis of the canalis spinalis can occur due to various factors like age-related changes, herniated discs, tumors, or spinal injuries. Such narrowing can exert pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, weakness, and other neurological symptoms. Surgical interventions like laminectomy or spinal decompression may be necessary to address significant stenosis and relieve compression on the spinal cord.
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Spinal or neural canal, a canal formed by the spinal foramina of the contiguous vertebrae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CANALIS SPINALIS
- xanalis spinalis
- vanalis spinalis
- fanalis spinalis
- danalis spinalis
- cznalis spinalis
- csnalis spinalis
- cwnalis spinalis
- cqnalis spinalis
- cabalis spinalis
- camalis spinalis
- cajalis spinalis
- cahalis spinalis
- canzlis spinalis
- canslis spinalis
- canwlis spinalis
- canqlis spinalis
- canakis spinalis
- canapis spinalis
- canaois spinalis
- canalus spinalis
Etymology of CANALIS SPINALIS
The word canalis spinalis has a Latin origin, where canalis means channel or canal and spinalis refers to spinal or pertaining to the spine. When combined, the term canalis spinalis translates to spinal canal.
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