(conus medullaris) cord tapers to a point inferior to lumbar enlargement
medullary cone
The medullary cone, also known as the conus medullaris, is the tapered end of the spinal cord. It is located at the level of the lower border of the first lumbar vertebra. The medullary cone marks the end of the spinal cord proper and the beginning of the cauda equina, which is a structure made up of nerve roots that descend from the spinal cord and exit through the vertebral column.
The medullary cone plays an important role in the transmission of nerve signals throughout the body. It contains nerve fibers that convey sensory and motor information to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs. Damage to the medullary cone can result in a range of symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and loss of sensation in the legs, bladder and bowel incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.
Overall, the medullary cone is an essential structure in the human nervous system, and its proper functioning is necessary for normal bodily functions and movement.
More Answers:
Unlocking the Mysteries of Phenotype: Insights into Genetics, Ecology, and EvolutionUnderstanding Homozygous: Definition, Effects, and Inheritance Patterns
Cauda Equina: Understanding the Horse’s Tail Bundle of Nerves and Its Vital Role in Movement, Sensation, and Organ Function