GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The cauda equina is a group of nerves and nerve roots stemming from the distal end of the spinal cord, typically levels L1-L5 and contains axons of nerves that give both motor and sensory innervation to the legs, bladder, anus, and perineum.

Detailed explanation-2: -The individual nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord that provide motor and sensory function to the legs and the bladder continue along in the spinal canal. The cauda equina is the continuation of these nerve roots in the lumbar and sacral region.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sacral spinal nerves (S1 to S5) emerge from the spinal cord in the low back and control signals to the thighs and lower parts of the legs, the feet, most of the external genital organs, and the area around the anus.

Detailed explanation-4: -In the lower part of the lumbosacral plexus, the first branch is the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the human body. This nerve arises from spinal nerves L4 to S3 and gives off branches that supply the hip joint, posterior muscles of the thigh, and all the muscles of the leg and foot.

Detailed explanation-5: -The spinal cord ends around L1, consequently, the caudal nerve roots below the first lumbar root, form the cauda equina. The roots descend at an almost vertical angle to reach their corresponding foramina, gathered around the filum terminale within the spinal theca.