radicular

Radicular is an adjective relating to a root in anatomy and pathology. It most often denotes structures associated with a nerve root or a tooth root. Etymology comes from the Latin radix meaning root.

In spinal anatomy, radicular structures include radicular arteries and veins that accompany nerve roots as they enter and exit the spinal cord. Radicular pain refers to pain arising from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, often due to herniated disk, foraminal stenosis, or spinal tumors. This pain is typically felt along the dermatomal distribution served by the affected root, and may be accompanied by motor or sensory deficits if the nerve is compromised.

In dentistry, radicular refers to the root of a tooth. The radicular pulp is the part of the dental pulp contained within the root canal; radicular dentin forms the walls of the root canal. Radicular cysts, or periapical cysts, are inflammatory lesions that develop at the apex of a nonvital tooth and are linked to chronic apical periodontitis; treatment typically involves endodontic therapy or extraction. Other radicular pathologies can involve root resorption, or periradicular conditions.

In summary, radicular is a versatile term used across medical disciplines to indicate association with a root, particularly a nerve root in neurology and a tooth root in dentistry. See also radiculopathy, radicular cyst, and radicular pain.