MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The spinal cord is about 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length and is relatively cylindrical in shape. The cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) segments house the spinal cord’s two areas of enlargement. A fibrous band called the filum terminale begins at the tip of the conus medullaris and extends to the pelvis.

Detailed explanation-2: -The spinal cord is a cylindrical well-organized structure. It begins at the foramen magnum as a continuation of the medulla oblongata at the base of the skull. It is located within the vertebral or spinal canal. In men, it extends up to 45 cm and in women up to 43 cm.

Detailed explanation-3: -The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure of nervous tissue composed of white and gray matter, is uniformly organized and is divided into four regions: cervical (C), thoracic (T), lumbar (L) and sacral (S), each of which is comprised of several segments.

Detailed explanation-4: -Pedicles. Each vertebra has two cylinder-shaped projections (pedicles) of hard bone that stick out from the back part of the vertebral body, providing side protection for the spinal cord and nerves. The pedicles also serve as a bridge, joining the front and back parts of the vertebra.

Detailed explanation-5: -The spinal cord consists of grey matter and white matter. Grey matter is an H-shaped structure that forms the centre while white matter is present at the periphery. The main function of the spinal cord is to provide pathways to sensory and motor impulses.