Cauda equina

The cauda equina is the continuation of the Conus medullaris. It consists of a collection of intradurally coursing Spinal nerve roots at the caudal end of the Spinal cord.

Figure

Lumbar dura mater opened
Illustration of the spinal dura mater and its contents at the caudal end. Illustration adapted from Sobotta's Atlas and Text-book of Human Anatomy 1909, Figure 614.

Imaging

Cauda equina on MRI
Visualization of the cauda equina on sagittal and axial T2 MRI images.

Clinical relevance

Compression of the cauda equina can be caused, for example, by a lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or a tumor and can lead to cauda equina syndrome.

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