Spinal neuroanatomy

Spinal neuroanatomy

• The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum to the L1/ L2 level, where it ends as the conus medullaris in adults (lower in children) ( Figure 30.8 ). Below this level lies the cauda equina. ). If Figure 30.9 illustrates a cross-section of the spinal cord.

Middle Posterior

The lateral spinothalamic tracts transmit the sensations of pain and temperature, the lateral corticospinal tracts are responsible for motor function and the posterior columns transmit position, vibration and deep pressure sensation. The spinothalamic tracts cross to the opposite side of the spinal cord within three levels of entering the cord. In contrast, the corticospinal tracts and the posterior columns decussate proximally at the craniocervical level. The tracts represented centrally , with distal body function arranged peripherally .

Cord Conus medullari s Cauda equina Figure 30.8 The spinal cord ends at L1/L2 at the conus medullaris, which gives rise to the cauda equina. Fasciculus gracilis Dorsal Dorsal Fasciculus sulcus column cuneatus Lateral S C column T L Lateral corticospinal L T tract C Lateral S L spinothalamic T tract C Ventral Ventral Anterior column /f_i ssure spinothalamic tract Figure 30.9 A cross-section of the spinal cord. C, cervical; L, lumbar; S, sacral; T, thoracic.

Spinal neuroanatomy

• The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum to the L1/ L2 level, where it ends as the conus medullaris in adults (lower in children) ( Figure 30.8 ). Below this level lies the cauda equina. ). If Figure 30.9 illustrates a cross-section of the spinal cord.

Middle Posterior

The lateral spinothalamic tracts transmit the sensations of pain and temperature, the lateral corticospinal tracts are responsible for motor function and the posterior columns transmit position, vibration and deep pressure sensation. The spinothalamic tracts cross to the opposite side of the spinal cord within three levels of entering the cord. In contrast, the corticospinal tracts and the posterior columns decussate proximally at the craniocervical level. The tracts represented centrally , with distal body function arranged peripherally .

Cord Conus medullari s Cauda equina Figure 30.8 The spinal cord ends at L1/L2 at the conus medullaris, which gives rise to the cauda equina. Fasciculus gracilis Dorsal Dorsal Fasciculus sulcus column cuneatus Lateral S C column T L Lateral corticospinal L T tract C Lateral S L spinothalamic T tract C Ventral Ventral Anterior column /f_i ssure spinothalamic tract Figure 30.9 A cross-section of the spinal cord. C, cervical; L, lumbar; S, sacral; T, thoracic.

Spinal neuroanatomy

• The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum to the L1/ L2 level, where it ends as the conus medullaris in adults (lower in children) ( Figure 30.8 ). Below this level lies the cauda equina. ). If Figure 30.9 illustrates a cross-section of the spinal cord.

Middle Posterior

The lateral spinothalamic tracts transmit the sensations of pain and temperature, the lateral corticospinal tracts are responsible for motor function and the posterior columns transmit position, vibration and deep pressure sensation. The spinothalamic tracts cross to the opposite side of the spinal cord within three levels of entering the cord. In contrast, the corticospinal tracts and the posterior columns decussate proximally at the craniocervical level. The tracts represented centrally , with distal body function arranged peripherally .

Cord Conus medullari s Cauda equina Figure 30.8 The spinal cord ends at L1/L2 at the conus medullaris, which gives rise to the cauda equina. Fasciculus gracilis Dorsal Dorsal Fasciculus sulcus column cuneatus Lateral S C column T L Lateral corticospinal L T tract C Lateral S L spinothalamic T tract C Ventral Ventral Anterior column /f_i ssure spinothalamic tract Figure 30.9 A cross-section of the spinal cord. C, cervical; L, lumbar; S, sacral; T, thoracic.