Spinal Nerve Roots and Relation to Vertebrae
Spinal Nerve Roots to Vertebrae
The adult spinal cord terminates at the level of the L1-L2 vertebrae
The lower distal part of the spinal cord is known as the conus medullaris, and its tapered end forms the filum terminale
Distal to this area is a gathering of nerve roots forming the cauda equina (the "horses' tail")
These spinal roots separate in pairs, exiting through the nerve root foramina
The cauda equina roots have both a dorsal and ventral root
The ventral root provides motor fibres for the efferent pathway along with sympathetic fibres
The dorsal root is composed of afferent fibres for the transmission of sensation
The functions of these nerves are to provide motor innervation to the lower limb, genitals, internal and external anal sphincter and detrusor muscle of the bladder
These nerves also provide sensory innervation to the lower limb and perineum
