Intramedullary
Difference Between "Intramedullary" and "Spinal Cord"
🧠 Spinal Cord
The term 'spinal cord' refers to the main anatomical structure of the central nervous system (CNS) that runs within the vertebral canal. It serves as the communication highway between the brain and the body, containing gray matter (neuronal cell bodies) and white matter (nerve fibers).
Examples of use:
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal cord tumor
- Transverse myelitis
🔍 Intramedullary
'Intramedullary' is a descriptive term indicating a location 'within the parenchyma of the spinal cord'. It is commonly used to refer to lesions or pathological processes that are 'inside the substance of the spinal cord' itself.
Examples of use:
- Intramedullary tumor (e.g., ependymoma, astrocytoma)
- Intramedullary abscess
- Intramedullary hemorrhage
📌 Comparison Table
| Term | Refers to | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Spinal Cord | The entire spinal cord as an anatomical structure | Spinal cord compression |
| Intramedullary | Something located within the spinal cord tissue | Intramedullary lesion (e.g., tumor) |