What is difference between cauda equina and conus medullaris?
The most distal bulbous part of the spinal cord is called the conus medullaris, and its tapering end continues as the filum terminale. Distal to this end of the spinal cord is a collection of nerve roots, which are horsetail-like in appearance and hence called the cauda equina (Latin for horse’s tail).
Is the cauda equina inferior to the conus medullaris?
The cauda equina occupies the lumbar cistern, a subarachnoid space inferior to the conus medullaris.
Where is cauda equina located?
lumbar
Overview. The spinal cord ends in the lumbar area and continues through the vertebral canal as spinal nerves. Because of its resemblance to a horse’s tail, the collection of these nerves at the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina.
What is the conus medullaris and where is it located?
The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord, which typically occurs at the L1 vertebral level in the average adult. [1] Conus medullaris syndrome (CMS) results when there is compressive damage to the spinal cord from T12-L2.
What is the function of the conus medullaris?
Structure and Function This structure serves to stabilize the spinal cord by connecting the conus to the coccyx via the coccygeal ligament.
What is conus medullaris?
The conus medullaris is the bundled, tapered end of the spinal cord nerves. Situated near the first two lumbar vertebrae, the conus medullaris ends at the cauda equina, a bundle of spinal nerves and nerve roots. Consequently, problems with the conus medullaris often affect the cauda equina.
What is the conus medullaris made of?
The conus medullaris is made up of several neurons (nerve cells) and has 3 protective layers. Starting from the outermost layer, these are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The pia mater tapers and continues down as the filum terminale at the end of the conus medullaris.
What causes Conus Medullaris syndrome?
In most cases, a blow to the back—such as from a car accident or gunshot—is to blame. But some diseases, notably spinal cord infections, malformations of the spinal column due to spinal stenosis, and spinal tumors can also cause the syndrome.
Where does the conus end?
On average, the conus terminates at the middle third of the L1 vertebra but can be located as high as the middle third of the T11 vertebra or as low as the middle third of L3 vertebra.
What protects the cauda equina?
The spinal cord and the cauda equina are delicate and important structures. The spinal canal formed by the lumbar vertebrae protects these structures by providing a strong, bony casing.
Where is the conus located?
What causes conus medullaris?
What is Conus Medullaris Syndrome? Typically caused by an incomplete spinal cord injury, or when there is a loss of sensation below the area that was injured, conus medullaris is a product of trauma. This syndrome presents itself much differently than its similar counterpart, cauda equina syndrome.