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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Published on: August 17, 2022

Spinal cord intramedullary cavernoma: A case report.

Ester H See-Sebastian¹, E Robert Marks

¹Department of Family Medicine, Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV, USA.

The West Virginia Medical Journal

|June 27, 2013

Summary

Spinal cord intramedullary cavernomas are rare vascular lesions that can cause diverse neurological deficits. Prompt MRI is crucial for diagnosing these debilitating conditions and initiating timely treatment.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Vascular Surgery

Background:

Spinal Cord Intramedullary Cavernoma (SCIC) is a rare vascular malformation.
Characterized by abnormal capillary-like vessels within the spinal cord.
Often asymptomatic or presents with non-specific neurological deficits.

Observation:

A 65-year-old male with hypertension and diabetes mellitus presented with progressive lower extremity weakness, urinary retention, and constipation.
History of lumbar microdiscectomy.
MRI revealed a T5 level cavernous angioma.

Findings:

SCIC can manifest with a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms.
The presented case highlights lower limb paresis and autonomic dysfunction.
Diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI, is essential for identification.

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Implications:

Early diagnosis of SCIC is critical for effective management.
Clinicians should consider SCIC in patients with unexplained neurological deficits.
Awareness of this rare condition can prevent delayed treatment and improve patient outcomes.