dorsal root

noun

plural dorsal roots
: the one of the two roots of a spinal nerve that passes dorsally to the spinal cord and consists of sensory fibers see also dorsal root ganglion compare ventral root

Examples of dorsal root in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The technology works by electrically stimulating structures on the spine called dorsal root ganglia, where sensory nerves return to the spine from the body’s extremities. IEEE Spectrum, 19 Nov. 2023 Normally, the dorsal roots coordinate the delicate balance of muscles required for smooth, easy walking. IEEE Spectrum, 19 Nov. 2023 The main outcomes are description of this clinical syndrome, results of TENS application, and S1 dorsal root ganglion blockade. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2016 So far, the researchers have grown Schwann cells, glial cells that support peripheral nerve cells, and dorsal root ganglion cells, which carry information about touch and proprioception from the limbs to the spinal cord, on the scaffold. Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2011 Working both independently and collaboratively, all three have used human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) — specialized nerve cells clustered near the base of the spine — to understand mechanisms that cause chronic pain. Stephen Fontenot, Dallas News, 8 Dec. 2022 Blockade of the left S1 dorsal root ganglion alleviated FOS. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2016 Nociceptors—and other sensory neurons—live in discreetclusters, found just outside the spinal cord, called dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Stephani Sutherland, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dorsal root.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dorsal root was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near dorsal root

Cite this Entry

“Dorsal root.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dorsal%20root. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

dorsal root

noun
: the one of the two roots of a spinal nerve that passes posteriorly to the spinal cord separating the posterior and lateral funiculi and that consists of sensory fibers

called also posterior root

see also dorsal root ganglion compare ventral root

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