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Cauda equina
Cauda equina A bundle of spinal nerve roots that arise from the bottom end of the spinal cord. The cauda equina comprises the roots of all the spinal nerve roots below the level of the first lumbar (L1) vertebra, namely the sacral and coccygeal nerves. So named because it resembles the tail (Latin, cauda) of a horse (Latin, equus). See also Cauda equina syndrome.
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Nerve
Tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.
Cord
1. In anatomy, a long ropelike structure. 2. Short for the spinal cord or the umbilical cord.
Lumbar
Having to do with the lower back, the loins.
Coccygeal
Referring to the coccyx, the small tail-like bone at the bottom of the spine, that is made up of 3-5 (average of 4) rudimentary vertebrae. There is a coccygeal nerve that originates in the spinal cord and emerges at the level of the coccyx.
Horse
Large, hoofed mammals of the family EQUIDAE. Horses are active day and night with most of the day spent seeking and consuming food. Feeding peaks occur in the early morning and late afternoon, and there are several daily periods of rest.
Syndrome
A grouping of signs and symptoms, based on their frequent co-occurrence, that may suggest a common underlying pathogenesis, course, familial pattern, or treatment selection.
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Cauda equina syndrome
Neurogenic claudication, resembling intermittent (arterial) claudication. Results from narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
Caudad
Toward the feet (or, in embryology, toward the tail), as opposed to cranial. The spinal cord is caudad to the brain.
Caudal
The anatomical term for towards the tail. i.e. the kidney is caudal to the shoulder. See Cranial/Superior/Inferior
Caudal anesthesia
Anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic into the caudal canal, the sacral portion of the spinal canal. Caudal anesthesia is used to provide anesthesia and analgesia (pain relief) below the umbilicus. It may be the sole anesthetic or combined with general anesthesia. Also called caudal epidural anesthesia or a caudal block.
Caudate nucleus
In each hemisphere of the brain, the most medial of the four basal ganglia, partly responsible for body movement and coordination. So named because it looks anatomically tail-like.
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Catheter, pulmonary artery
A light flexible balloon-tipped tube that is introduced into the pulmonary artery (the artery from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs).
Catheter, Swan-Ganz
A thin, flexible tube that is inserted through one of the large veins (the inferior or superior vena cava) that return blood to the heart. The catheter is flow-directed. It uses a balloon to carry it through the vena cava to the heart, through the right side of the heart (the right atrium and right ventricle) to the pulmonary artery. Once there, the catheter is purposely positioned in a small branch of the pulmonary artery. Then a pressure called the pulmonary wedge pressure is measured in front of the temporarily inflated and wedged balloon.
Catheterization, venous
The insertion of a tiny tube (a catheter) into a peripheral or central vein to deliver fluids or medication. This is the most frequently used method for the administration of intravenous (IV) fluids and IV meds (medications).
Cancer, Hodgkin disease (adult)
A type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). The most common symptom of Hodgkin disease is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin. Hodgkin disease is diagnosed when abnormal tissue is detected by a pathologist after a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node. Treatment usually includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Regular follow-up examinations are important after treatment for Hodgkin disease. Patients treated for Hodgkin disease have an increased risk of developing other types of cancer later in life, especially leukemia.
Cation
In chemistry, a positively charged ion. A cation is as opposed to an anion, which is a negatively charged ion.
Cauda equina
Caudad
Toward the feet (or, in embryology, toward the tail), as opposed to cranial. The spinal cord is caudad to the brain.
Caudal anesthesia
Anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic into the caudal canal, the sacral portion of the spinal canal. Caudal anesthesia is used to provide anesthesia and analgesia (pain relief) below the umbilicus. It may be the sole anesthetic or combined with general anesthesia. Also called caudal epidural anesthesia or a caudal block.
Caudate nucleus
In each hemisphere of the brain, the most medial of the four basal ganglia, partly responsible for body movement and coordination. So named because it looks anatomically tail-like.
Caul
In obstetrics, the caul is the amnion, one of the two fetal membranes, the other being the chorion. To be born in a caul meant to be born with the head covered by the amnion (or be born within an intact unruptured amnion). To be born in a caul was long believed to be a sign of future greatness.
Cauliflower-ear deformity
Destruction of the underlying cartilage framework of the outer ear (pinnae), usually caused by either infection or trauma, resulting in a thickening of the ear. Classically, blood collects (hematoma) between the ear cartilage and the skin. There is a marked thickening of the entire ear which may be so extensive that the shape of the ear becomes unrecognizable. The ear is said to look like a piece of cauliflower. It is typically seen in wrestlers and boxers who have had repeated trauma to the ear.
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