syringomyelia

Term: syringomyelia

Literally meaning: “cavity in marrow”

Origin: Anc Greek

σύριγξ/syrix (=a tube-shaped and fluid filled neurological cavity within the central nervous system)

+myelos (marrow)

Coined/History 

In Greek mythology Syrinx was a nymph who was changed into reed to save her from the pursuit of god Pan. From this reed Pan fashioned the musical pipes σύριγξ consisting of cane pipes of different lengths..

 Spinal cord cavitation was first described by Esteine in 1546 and later in 1827 D’Angers was coined the term syringomyelia : syrinx (within in parenchyma of the spinal cord).

Definition

Syringomyelia is the cyst or cavity formation within the spinal cord.