The cauda equina is the sack of nerve roots (nerves that leave the spinal cord between spaces in the bones of the spine to connect to other parts of the body) at the lower end of the spinal cord. These nerve roots provide the ability to move and feel sensation in the legs and the bladder.
What is cauda equina anatomy?
The cauda equina (CE) is a bundle of intradural nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord, in the subarachnoid space distal to the conus medullaris. Cauda is Latin for tail, and equina is Latin for horse (ie, the “horse’s tail”).
What is the cauda equina located?
spinal cord
The spinal cord ends in the lumbar area and continues through the vertebral canal as spinal nerves. Because of its resemblance to a horse’s tail, the collection of these nerves at the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina. These nerves send and receive messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs.
What does cauda mean in medical terms?
Medical Definition of cauda : a taillike appendage : tail.
Why is cauda equina formed?
The cauda equina is formed by the continuation of nerve fibers beyond the spinal cord. Compression of the cauda equina, such as by a herniated disc, may cause severe pain and numbness in both legs.
What is CES of the spine?
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a particularly serious type of nerve root problem. There is pressure on the nerves at the very bottom of the spinal cord. The pressure on the nerves stops the nerves from working properly. If the pressure is not treated quickly then CES may cause permanent nerve damage.
What is the cauda equina explain why it forms?
What does the cauda equina innervate?
The cauda equina occupies the lumbar cistern, a subarachnoid space inferior to the conus medullaris. The nerves that compose the cauda equina innervate the pelvic organs and lower limbs to include motor innervation of the hips, knees, ankles, feet, internal anal sphincter and external anal sphincter.
What does the prefix Squam mean?
scales
The prefix squam/o means scales.
What does cauda mean Latin?
tail
The word “cauda” is derived from the Latin word for tail.
What happens in cauda equina?
Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the nerve roots in the lumbar spine are compressed, cutting off sensation and movement. Nerve roots that control the function of the bladder and bowel are especially vulnerable to damage.
What is the cauda equina in anatomy?
Anatomical terminology. The cauda equina (from Latin horse’s tail) is a bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve rootlets, consisting of the second through fifth lumbar nerve pairs, the first through fifth sacral nerve pairs, and the coccygeal nerve, all of which arise from the lumbar enlargement and the conus medullaris of the spinal cord.
Is cauda equina syndrome a surgical emergency?
Cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome, a rare disorder affecting the bundle of nerve roots (cauda equina) at the lower (lumbar) end of the spinal cord, is a surgical emergency.
What is the long term prognosis for cauda equina?
Cauda Equina is a relatively rare condition and therefore data on long term outlook is limited. CES can affect people both physically and emotionally, particularly if it is chronic.
What causes spondylolisthesis cauda equina syndrome?
This could be the result of a degenerative process of the spine (such as osteoarthritis) or a developmental defect which is present at birth. In the most severe cases of spondylolisthesis cauda equina syndrome can result.
