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Anatomy of the Spine

January, 2000

The spinal cord is an extension of the brain. It is protected by a bony structure called the vertebral or spinal column. The spinal cord is covered with the same three membranes as the brain, the meninges. There is a wide subarachnoid space that surrounds the spinal cord. This space contains the cerebrospinal fluid.

The Brain and Spinal Cord

All the information going from the brain to the limbs travels through the spinal cord. This then allows for movement. The spinal cord is the first relay station for sensory information (what we feel in our arms and legs) on its way to consciousness in various centres of the brain.

Bladder functions, sensory functions and movement are all dependent on information travelling up and down the spinal cord. Any interruption of spinal cord function by a tumor at a particular level may result in a loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the tumor. If the pressure on the normal spinal cord is severe and long lasting, a complete and permanent loss of function below the level of the pressure can occur. Paraparesis occurs when the motor and sensory loss is below the levels of the arms and thus involves the thoracic or lumbar region. Quadraparesis is the term used to describe sensory and motor malfunction which involves both arms and legs and usually involves a problem in the cervical area (neck).

Cross Section of Spinal Cord