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Spinal cord (anatomy)

Authoring team

  • spinal cord - extends from foramen magnum to the level of the lower border of L1, or upper border of L2
  • average length is 45 cm
  • spinal cord surrounded by CSF within the dura. It is suspended laterally by the ligamentum denticulatum.
  • conus medullaris - this is an expansion at the lower end of the spinal cord.
  • dorsal roots of the cord convey sensory fibres
  • ventral roots convey motor fibres
  • blood supply
    • upper cord - derived from two anterior spinal arteries (branches of the vertebral arteries). There is fusion of the anterior spinal arteries to form a single vessel
    • radicular arteries and posterior spinal arteries

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