Epineural

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to being situated upon nerve tissue ; describing a relationship or location above neural structures ; relating to anatomical features overlying nerves
2. Referring to something positioned on the surface of a nerve ; associated with being located above or on neural components ; indicating placement over nervous system structures
3. Denoting that which lies upon or covers a nerve ; involving proximity or attachment to the outside of a neural element ; indicating a connection to the area above neural tissue

Etymology: "Epineural" is a plain technical formation: the prefix "epi-", from Greek "epi" meaning "on" or "upon", joined to "neural", the adjective from "neuron" (Greek "neuron", sinew or nerve). Put together, the term describes something lying on or over a nerve, most often a structure sitting on the outer surface of a nerve rather than within it. The pattern is typical of anatomical vocabulary, where scientists combine Greek prefixes with Greek-derived stems to name precise positions in the body. Because the parts are so transparent, the word needs little more explanation than its components, and its meaning can be worked out from them directly.

Synonyms: perineural, nerve-related, neural sheath