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The Spinal Cord

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.

Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy

Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy

The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...

Spinal Cord

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Published on: August 17, 2022

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors.

Daniel C. Bowers¹, Bradley E. Weprin

¹University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. Daniel.Bowers@utsouthwestern.edu

Current Treatment Options in Neurology

|April 3, 2003

Summary

Surgical removal is the main treatment for most intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Further research, including clinical trials for astrocytomas and ependymomas, is needed to improve patient outcomes and rehabilitation.

Area of Science:

Neuro-oncology
Neurosurgery
Radiation Oncology

Background:

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are rare, with astrocytomas, ependymomas, and high-grade astrocytomas being the most common types.
Current treatment strategies for IMSCTs vary depending on tumor type and grade, with surgery being the primary modality.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of intramedullary spinal cord tumor management.
To identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research in IMSCT therapy and rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on intramedullary spinal cord tumors.
Analysis of current treatment modalities including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Discussion of emerging techniques like stereotactic radiosurgery.

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Main Results:

Surgical extirpation is effective for most IMSCTs.
Radiation therapy shows promise for persistent or recurrent low-grade tumors.
High-grade astrocytomas have inadequate current treatment, necessitating further investigation.

Conclusions:

Multidisciplinary care, including rehabilitation, is crucial for patients with IMSCTs.
Prospective clinical trials, encompassing both pediatric and adult populations, are essential for advancing IMSCT treatment and improving rehabilitation strategies.