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Updated: Aug 25, 2025

Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
Published on: January 18, 2010
Anatomy of the Spinal Cord, Coverings, and Nerves
Syed S Hashmi1, Eric K van Staalduinen1, Tarik F Massoud1
1Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Center for Academic Medicine (CAM), 453 Quarry Rd Room 325B, Palo Alto CA 94304.
Abstract:
The spinal cord is an elegant structure that serves as a conduit for the transfer of information between the brain and the peripheral nervous system. To enable the reader to understand its complex microstructural anatomy, we have created a detailed yet approachable anatomic reference for clinicians. We review gross and structural features of the spinal cord, its coverings, and nerves while also discussing spinal cord development, microscopic organization, and common anatomic variants. We detail how this anatomy appears on current neuroimaging techniques, with special attention to MR imaging.
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