PREVERTEBRAL Meaning and
Definition
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Prevertebral is an adjective that is primarily used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe something that is located or situated in front of the vertebrae. The term is derived from the combination of the prefix "pre-", meaning "before" or "in front of," and the word "vertebral," referring to the bones of the spine.
In anatomy, prevertebral can refer to various structures and regions that are positioned anteriorly to the vertebrae. The prevertebral muscles, for example, are a group of muscles located in front of the spine that play a crucial role in head and neck movement. These muscles include the longus colli muscle, longus capitis muscle, and the scalene muscles.
Prevertebral may also describe the prevertebral fascia, a layer of connective tissue that lies in front of the vertebral column. This fascia helps to separate and support the various structures of the neck and serves as a protective barrier.
In medical imaging, the term prevertebral is used to describe the space located in front of the neck and chest, specifically the space between the trachea and the vertebral column. This area is important in evaluating conditions such as retropharyngeal and prevertebral abscesses, where infections or inflammations occur in this region.
Overall, prevertebral refers to anything that is positioned in front of the vertebrae, be it muscles, fascia, or spaces within the body.
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In front of the body of a vertebra, or of the vertebral column.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PREVERTEBRAL
Etymology of PREVERTEBRAL
The word "prevertebral" is composed of two Latin roots: "pre-" meaning "before" or "in front of", and "vertebra" meaning "joint of the spine" or "backbone". The term refers to something that is located in front of or anterior to the vertebrae.
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