Conus medullaris
Encyclopedia
The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord
. It occurs near lumbar vertebral levels 1 (L1) and 2 (L2). After the spinal cord tapers out, the spinal nerves continue as dangling nerve roots called cauda equina
. This terminal nerve root tail is referred to as the filum terminale
. The upper end of the conus medullaris is usually not well defined.
Spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the brain . The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system...
. It occurs near lumbar vertebral levels 1 (L1) and 2 (L2). After the spinal cord tapers out, the spinal nerves continue as dangling nerve roots called cauda equina
Cauda equina
The cauda equina is a structure within the lower end of the spinal column of most vertebrates, that consists of nerve roots and rootlets from above...
. This terminal nerve root tail is referred to as the filum terminale
Filum terminale
The filum terminale , is a delicate strand of fibrous tissue, about 20 cm. in length, proceeding downward from the apex of the conus medullaris. It gives longitudinal support to the spinal cord and consists of two parts:...
. The upper end of the conus medullaris is usually not well defined.