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what is the difference between the cauda equina and the filum terminale

by Prof. Xavier Schulist DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The fibrous extension of the cord, the filum terminale, is a nonneural element that extends down to the coccyx. The cauda equina (CE) is a bundle of intradural nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord, in the subarachnoid space distal to the conus medullaris.Jun 14, 2018

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What is the function of the cauda equina filum terminale?

What is the function of the cauda equina Filum terminale? The filum terminale is an extension of the pia mater that is attached to the coccygeal segments, whose function is to suspend the cord in the CSF (like the denticulate ligaments). Click to see full answer.

What is the difference between the spinal cord and the cauda equina?

The lower back houses the terminal end of the spinal cord and mostly encloses the cauda equina—nerve roots that descend from the spinal cord. The spinal cord and the cauda equina are delicate and important structures.

Where does the cauda equina start and end?

The cauda equina (CE) is a bundle of intradural nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord, in the subarachnoid space distal to the conus medullaris. Where does the Filum terminale start?

Is the filum terminale part of the spinal cord?

The fibrous extension of the cord, the filum terminale, is a nonneural element that extends down to the coccyx. The cauda equina (CE) is a bundle of intradural nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord, in the subarachnoid space distal to the conus medullaris. Where does the Filum terminale start?

What forms the cauda equina and filum terminale?

Lumbar cistern The space inside the arachnoid mater is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Below the conus medullaris, this space is enlarged. This enlargement is called the lumbar cistern and contains CSF, the filum terminale, and the cauda equina.

What is the function of the filum terminale?

The filum terminale (FT) is a fibrous band that extends from the conus medullaris to the periosteum of the coccyx, and its functions are to fixate, stabilize, and buffer the distal spinal cord from normal and abnormal cephalic and caudal traction.

What is the function of the cauda equina?

The cauda equina is the continuation of these nerve roots in the lumbar and sacral region. These nerves send and receive messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs.

What are the two parts of the filum terminale?

It consists of two parts, an upper and a lower. The upper part, or filum terminale internum, measures about 15 cm. in length and reaches as far as the lower border of the second sacral vertebra.

What is cauda equina anatomy?

The cauda equina (from Latin horse's tail) is a bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve rootlets, consisting of the second through fifth lumbar nerve pairs, the first through fifth sacral nerve pairs, and the coccygeal nerve, all of which arise from the lumbar enlargement and the conus medullaris of the spinal cord.

Where is the cauda equina located?

The cauda equina is the sack of nerve roots (nerves that leave the spinal cord between spaces in the bones of the spine to connect to other parts of the body) at the lower end of the spinal cord.

What is the difference between conus medullaris and cauda equina?

The most distal bulbous part of the spinal cord is called the conus medullaris, and its tapering end continues as the filum terminale. Distal to this end of the spinal cord is a collection of nerve roots, which are horsetail-like in appearance and hence called the cauda equina (Latin for horse's tail).

Where does the cauda equina begin and end?

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.

Why is it called cauda equina?

Because of its resemblance to a horse's tail, the collection of these nerves at the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina.

Does filum terminale contain nerve?

The filum terminale is the nonfunctional continuation of the end of the spinal cord. It usually consists of fibrous tissue without functional nervous tissue.

What is the filum terminale in anatomy?

The filum terminale is a small thin filament of connective tissue that extends inferiorly from the apex of the conus medullaris to the sacrum.

Is filum terminale Pia and dura mater?

The upper part, or filum terminale internum, is about 15 cm long and reaches as far as the lower border of the second sacral vertebra. It is continuous above with the pia mater and contained within a tubular sheath of the dura mater....Filum terminaleFMA83977Anatomical terminology5 more rows

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