spinal chord, CSF, and end sections

what are spinal meninges

CT layers surrounding spinal cord providing protection, oxygen and other nutrients

layers superficial to deep of cord

dura mater (dense irregular), arachmoid (loose ct), pia matter (loose ct)

what is cerebrospinal fluid and what does it provide

fills space b/w arachnoid and pia mater in subarachnoid space

provides chemical and physical protection

what is the chemical protection the CSF provides 

similar to blood, provide nutrients and removes waste 

what is the physical protection the CSF provides

absorbs shock and alllows spinal cord to float in vertebral canal

what is the vertebral canal

stacking of all vertebrae (and vertebral foramen) forming canal for spinal chord to sit in

where does the spinal cord end

coccyx is omitted, ends at L2

conus medullaris 

caudal end of spinal chord, T12-L1/L2, inner pieces of organs 

cauda equina

composed only of spinal nerves, no more spinal chord