The human spinal cord is a vital component of the central nervous system, extending from the brainstem and transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It is anatomically segmented into five primary regions, each corresponding to specific vertebral levels and associated spinal nerves.
🧠Regions of the Spinal Cord
- Cervical Region (C1–C8)
- Location: Uppermost part of the spinal cord.
- Function: Responsible for motor and sensory innervation of the neck, shoulders, arms, and diaphragm.
- Notable Features: The cervical enlargement (C5–T1) accommodates the brachial plexus, which innervates the upper limbs.
- Thoracic Region (T1–T12)
- Location: Middle section of the spinal cord.
- Function: Innervates the chest and abdominal muscles, contributing to trunk stability and respiration.
- Note: Each thoracic nerve corresponds to a rib and provides motor and sensory functions to the thoracic region.
- Lumbar Region (L1–L5)
- Location: Lower back region.
- Function: Supplies motor and sensory innervation to the lower abdomen, hips, and legs.
- Notable Features: The lumbar enlargement (L2–S3) gives rise to the lumbosacral plexus, which innervates the lower limbs. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Sacral Region (S1–S5)
- Location: Base of the spinal cord.
- Function: Controls motor and sensory functions of the buttocks, lower limbs, and pelvic organs.
- Notable Features: The sacral nerves are involved in bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
- Coccygeal Region (Co1)
- Location: Tip of the spinal cord.
- Function: Provides sensory innervation to the skin over the coccyx.
- Note: Comprises a single coccygeal nerve.
🧠Additional Structures
- Conus Medullaris: The tapered, lower end of the spinal cord, typically located around the L1–L2 vertebral level. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Cauda Equina: A bundle of spinal nerve roots extending from the conus medullaris, resembling a horse’s tail. These nerve roots innervate the lower limbs and pelvic organs. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Filum Terminale: A slender filament of connective tissue extending from the conus medullaris to the coccyx, anchoring the spinal cord within the vertebral column.(en.wikipedia.org)