Pedicle

Pedicle is a term used in anatomy to refer to a stem or stalk of tissue that connects different parts of the body. The term is derived from the Latin word pediculus, which means "little foot". Pedicles can be found in various parts of the body, including the spine, the brain, and the skin.

Spinal Pedicle

The spinal pedicle is a part of a vertebra that connects the vertebral body with the vertebral arch. It is a short, strong process that projects posteriorly from the junction of the lamina and the vertebral body. The spinal pedicle serves as a bridge between the anterior and posterior parts of the vertebra, and it is crucial for the stability of the spine.

Cerebral Pedicle

In the brain, the term pedicle is used to refer to the cerebral peduncle. The cerebral peduncle is a part of the brainstem that consists of a large bundle of nerve fibers. These fibers connect the cerebrum with the pons and the spinal cord, and they are crucial for the transmission of motor and sensory information between the brain and the rest of the body.

Skin Pedicle

In the skin, a pedicle refers to a flap of skin and subcutaneous tissue that is left attached to its original site while being transplanted to cover a defect in another area. This technique, known as a pedicle graft or a pedicle flap, is commonly used in plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

See Also

• Vertebra
• Cerebral peduncle
• Plastic surgery

References

Pedicle Resources
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