GLOSSARY

The spinal cord is a cylindrical column of nervous tissue within the vertebral canal, extending from the medulla (foramen magnum) to about the L1–L2 vertebrae; it is the main communication pathway between brain and body and a centre for reflexes.

Characteristics

• Length: about 40–45 centimetres, shorter than the vertebral column.
• Two enlargements: cervical (for the upper limb nerves) and lumbar (for the lower limb).
• Conus medullaris and cauda equina: the nerve roots below the end of the cord.
• Cross-section: butterfly-shaped grey matter in the centre and white matter around it.

Functions