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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.

Bone Disorders

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...

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...

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...

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Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Magnetic Levitation Coupled with Portable Imaging and Analysis for Disease Diagnostics

Magnetic Levitation Coupled with Portable Imaging and Analysis for Disease Diagnostics

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The spine in sickle cell disease

M Sadat-Ali¹, A Ammar, J R Corea

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

International Orthopaedics

|June 1, 1994

Summary

Sickle cell disease frequently impacts the spine, causing bone changes like vertebral collapse and infections. Early, aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent severe, disabling complications in patients.

Area of Science:

Orthopedics
Hematology
Neurosurgery

Background:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) causes bone complications via marrow hyperplasia, ischemia, and infarction.
Spinal complications are a significant manifestation of SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the spectrum and management of spinal complications in patients with sickle cell disease.

Main Methods:

Retrospective review of 34 patients treated for spinal complications of SCD between 1982-1991.
Analysis of orthopedic and neurosurgical interventions.

Main Results:

Vertebral body changes due to marrow hyperplasia occurred in 44% of patients.
Avascular necrosis causing vertebral collapse was observed in 27% of patients.

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Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry

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Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload

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Infective spondylitis was seen in 24% of patients, often requiring decompression and bone grafting.

Conclusions:

The spine is commonly affected in sickle cell disease.
Aggressive treatment and close follow-up are essential to mitigate disabling spinal complications.