The conus medullaris ("medullary cone") 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.
[edit] Blood supply
The blood supply consists of three spinal arterial vessels -- the anterior median longitudinal arterial trunk and two posterolateral trunks. Other less prominent sources of blood supply include radicular arterial branches from the aorta, lateral sacral arteries, and the fifth lumbar, iliolumbar, and middle sacral arteries. The latter contribute more to the vascular supply of the cauda equina.
[edit] Pathology
Conus medullaris syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms associated with injury to the conus medullaris.[1]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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