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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
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 5 Nov. 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 rootMore from Merriam-Webster on dorsal root
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dorsal root
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