L1.2.2: The Spinal Cord

• THE SPINAL CORD

  ● Extends from the foramen magnum of the skull to the first or second lumbar vertebra

  ● Provides a 2-way conduction pathway to and from the brain

  ● A major reflex center

  ● About the size of the thumb for most of its length but it is enlarged in the cervical and lumbar regions where the nerves serving the upper and lower limbs arise and leave the cord
• THE SPINAL CORD

  ● CAUDA EQUINA

  ○ Collection of spinal nerves at the inferior end of the vertebral

  canal

  ○ Looks like a horse tail hence the name
• THE SPINAL CORD

  ● Thirty one (31)

  ○ Number of pairs of spinal nerves that arise from the spinal cord and exit from the vertebral column to serve the body area close by