Spinal Cord

anatomy

Vertebral Column

Formed from vertebrae (bones) that stock with a hole in the middle for the Spinal Column to sit in

Meninges

Layers of connective tissue meant to protect the spinal cord

Dura Mater

Tough, durable outer meninge layer

Arachnoid Mater

The middle, weblike meninge layer that is formed from collagen and elastic fibers

Pia Mater

3rd, thin, transparent deepest layer than connects directly to the spinal cord. It is vascular.

Epidural Space

Space between the dura mater and bone where fat and connective tissue reside (epi- above, on upon)

Subdural Space

Between dura mater and arachnoid mater, and contains fluid

Cervical enlargment

Extends from c4-t1 and supplies upper limb and body nerves.

Lumbar Enlargement

A bulge in the spinal cord, at lower 3 thoracic bones T9-t12

Conus Medullaris

Where you Spinal Cord begins to taper into a cone-like structure. It’s inferior to the Lumbar Enlargement and considered the end of the Spinal Cord.

Cauda Equina

The nerves that branch off the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions, forming a ‘horse tail’

Filum Terminale

Extension of the pia mater and extends of the Conus Medullaris. Its job is to anchor your spinal cord.