Comparison of structural details of different regions of the spinal cord Index Central canal Superiorly (Open) : Opens i...
Comparison of structural details of different regions of the spinal cord
![image image](http://lh3.ggpht.com/__2lrVcvv9JE/Sxo63WqLudI/AAAAAAAAAu4/4AUcQ5c-Qss/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800)
Index
![image image](http://lh4.ggpht.com/__2lrVcvv9JE/Sxo67LDZWDI/AAAAAAAAAvI/hpR0Ltl6Rwo/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800)
Central canal
- Superiorly (Open) : Opens into the cavity of the 4th ventricle
- Inferiorly (Closed) : In the conus medullaris, it expands to form the terminal ventricle & terminates below within the root of filum terminale
- It’s filled with CSF
- It’s lined by ciliated columnar epithelium (Ependyma)
Blood supply of the spinal cord
Arterial supply : Supplied by 3 small arteries + feeder arteries
![image image](http://lh3.ggpht.com/__2lrVcvv9JE/Sxo6_NPsZKI/AAAAAAAAAvY/si7rifsjuDg/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800)
Segmental spinal arteries
![image image](http://lh3.ggpht.com/__2lrVcvv9JE/Sxo7DJGsrpI/AAAAAAAAAus/0YIAyLiaRRw/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800)
- ASA & PSA arteries are reinforced by segmental arteries, which enter the vertebral canal through the inter vertebral foramina
- These arteries are branches of arteries outside the vertebral column (Deep cervical, Intercostal & Lumbar arteries)
- Segmental arteries give rise to anterior & posterior radicular arteries
Feeder arteries
- Enter the vertebral arteries & anastomose with the ASA & PSA
- The most important feeder artery is the Great anterior medullar artery of Adamkiewicz
- It arises from the aorta at lower thoracic or upper lumbar vertebral levels
- Unilateral
- In the left side of most people
- Major source of blood to the lower 2/3 of the spinal cord
Veins of the spinal cord
- Drains mainly into the veins of the brain & the venous sinuses via 6 tortuous longitudinal channels
- Finally drain into the internal vertebral venous plexus