The tragedy of syrinx

Childs Nerv Syst. 2014 Mar;30(3):371-3. doi: 10.1007/s00381-014-2360-4.

Abstract

Introduction: Today, the term "syrinx" is used by many clinicians. Most users of the term, however, are not familiar with the origin of the word. The present paper reviews the history of the word syrinx, which is based in Greek mythology.

Conclusions: Many modern terms have a derivation that is based on a rich history that has often been forgotten. The myth of Syrinx lives on in modern times by the continued use of syrinx in various words such as syringomyelia and syringe.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Greece
  • Mythology*
  • Syringomyelia
  • Terminology as Topic