Sacral
The lower-most part of the spine, consisting of a mass of five fused vertebrae, which can be felt between the buttocks.
Scoliosis
A curvature of the spinal column, which commonly develops during adolescence. Many cases are idiopathic but some may be caused by, or at least are
Shunt
A shunt shifts one object, or volume of fluid (or gas or electrical current), from one place to another. In the context of neurosurgical practice
Skeletal elements
When we think about the spine, we need to consider both the bones and the ligaments that hold them together, as well as the spinal
Spina bifida
During development, at each level of the spine two plates of bone migrate towards one another and fuse, in the midline, forming what are referred
Spinal canal
The individual bones that comprise the spinal column are made up of a weight-bearing “body” and other components which, together, form a ring of bone,
Spinal column
The individual bones that we call vertebrae, when joined together by several ligaments, make of the spinal, or vertebral column.
Spinal cord
The main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It
Spinal dysraphism
The word raphe means a seam, such as we see on a garment. It is used figuratively, in anatomy and embryology, to refer to the
Glossary
The Charity appreciates that hospital specialists will almost inevitably use some medical jargon at times, even when they are trying to explain medical matters in lay terminology. The table below lists many of the medical terms that are likely to be used, from time-to-time, by doctors, when they are talking to patients, or in composing medical correspondence. It is hoped that our explanation of the meaning of these terms throws at least some light on matters.
