How Do You Spell GOWERS' COLUMN?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈa͡ʊəz kˈɒlʌm] (IPA)

Gowers' column is a term used in medical science to describe the tract of nerve cells that extend from the neck down to the lower end of the spinal cord. "Gowers" is pronounced as "ɡaʊəz" and is spelled as G-O-W-E-R-S with a silent "s." The "s" at the end of Gowers' name indicates possession, meaning the column belongs to him. The term is named after Sir William Gowers who was a British neurologist and author of clinical studies in diseases of the nervous system.

GOWERS' COLUMN Meaning and Definition

  1. Gowers' column, also known as the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF), refers to a bundle of nerve fibers found within the brainstem that helps facilitate communication between various regions involved in eye movement control. It is named after Sir William Richard Gowers, an English neurologist who first described this structure.

    The Gowers' column plays a crucial role in coordinating eye movements, particularly those involved in horizontal gaze and conjugate eye movements (moving both eyes in the same direction simultaneously). It serves as a conduit for transmitting signals between the cranial nerve nuclei responsible for eye movements, such as the oculomotor and abducens nuclei. Through this pathway, the signals from one eye are transmitted to the cranial nerve nuclei of the opposite eye, allowing coordinated eye movement.

    In addition to its role in eye movement control, Gowers' column is also involved in certain reflexes. It helps mediate the vestibuloocular reflex, which stabilizes visual input during head movements, preventing blurring or visual disturbances. The MLF also plays a role in the coordination of eye and head movements, contributing to the gaze stabilization reflex.

    Damage or dysfunction of Gowers' column can result in a condition known as internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO). INO is characterized by impaired horizontal eye movement coordination and a failure of the affected eye to adduct (move towards the nose) during horizontal gaze. This condition is often associated with underlying neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or brainstem lesions.

  2. Gowers' tract.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for GOWERS' COLUMN

  • fowers' column
  • vowers' column
  • bowers' column
  • howers' column
  • yowers' column
  • towers' column
  • giwers' column
  • gkwers' column
  • glwers' column
  • gpwers' column
  • g0wers' column
  • g9wers' column
  • goqers' column
  • goaers' column
  • gosers' column
  • goeers' column
  • go3ers' column
  • go2ers' column
  • gowwrs' column
  • gowsrs' column

Etymology of GOWERS' COLUMN

The term "Gowers' column" refers to a column written by a journalist named Gowers. However, without further information, it is difficult to determine the specific etymology or origin of this term. It is possible that Gowers is a surname, and the column may be named after an individual or a family. Further research or context would be necessary to provide a more precise etymology.

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: