spinal segments

noun

UK /ˈspaɪnəl ˈsɛɡmənts/

US /ˈspaɪnəl ˈsɛɡmənts/

Small parts of the backbone that each hold a piece of the spinal cord.

The doctor explained that the spinal segments work together to protect the nerves.

SYNONYMS

vertebral segments spinal levels vertebral levels spinal units

RELATED WORDS

vertebrae spinal cord nerves backbone spine

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The repeating sections of the spinal cord itself, each giving rise to a pair of spinal nerves.

Each of the spinal segments sends nerves to a specific part of the body.

3. The bony units of the vertebral column, such as cervical or thoracic segments.

The cervical spinal segments are located in the neck.

4. In anatomy, the paired blocks of tissue that develop into vertebrae during growth.

During development, the spinal segments form the future bones of the spine.