External configuration

  • Cylindrical stem slightly flattened in the antero-posterior direction
  • In the vertebral canal, from C1 (posterior arch) to the L1-L2 intervertebral disc
  • Two enlargements
    • Cervical enlargement: origin of the brachial plexus
    • Lumbosacral enlargement: origin of the lumbosacral plexus
  • Held in place by the meninges
    • Filum terminale: fibrous, fused with the pia mater, goes up to the coccyx
    • Denticulate ligament: prolongation of the pia mater that connects the spinal cord with the dura mater

Anterior surface

  • Anterior median fissure
    • Along the entire length of the spinal cord
    • Harbors a prolongation of the pia mater and its blood vessels
  • Emergence of the anterior (motor) roots of the spinal nerves

Posterior surface

Lateral surfaces

Between the emergence of the anterior and posterior roots of the spinal nerves