What it means
Part of the central nervous systemSEN-trul NER-vus SIS-tumThe brain and the spinal cord together.centr/o center-al having to do withFull entry , protected by the bones of the spine. It carries movement signals from the brain to the body and sensation signals from the body to the brain, and it handles some reflexes on its own. An injury to the cord can cause loss of movement and feeling below the level of the damage.
For the nurse
After possible spinal injury, keep the spine straight and still and log-roll the client. Check movement and sensation in all limbs and report any change; an injury high in the neck can affect breathing.
At a glance
| Spanish | médula espinal |
|---|---|
| Also written | spinal-cord |
Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
neuron
A nerve cell: a cell that carries electrical and chemical signals through the nervous system.