Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Conus medullaris
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord. It occurs near lumbar nerves 1 (L1) and 2 (L2). After the spinal cord terminates, the spinal nerves continue as dangling nerves called the cauda equina. The upper end of the conus medullaris is usually not well defined.
Blood supply
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.
Pathology
Pathology
The term “conus medullaris syndrome” is sometimes used to describe a condition similar to cauda equina syndrome.[1][2]
References
References
- ↑ Schwarz S, Zoubaa S, Knauth M, Sommer C, Storch-Hagenlocher B (2002). “Intravascular lymphomatosis presenting with a conus medullaris syndrome mimicking disseminated encephalomyelitis”. Neuro-oncology. 4 (3): 187–91. PMID 12084349.
- ↑ “Medcyclopaedia – Conus medullaris syndrome”. Retrieved 2007-11-22.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]