Anatomy and basic knowledge of the spinal cord

Basic knowledge of macroscopic anatomy is needed to understand the clinical signs and distinct syndromes resulting from the disturbed function of the tracks, segments and roots of the spinal cord. The cord is contained within the vertebral canal, continuing the medulla down to the conus medullaris. Descending tracks are motor (corticospinal and extrapyramidal), and ascending tracks are sensory (spinothalamic and lemniscal). Spinal cord involvement must be considered when a sensorimotor spinal tract and a radicular spinal syndromes are combined. Syringomyelia, Brown-Séquard syndrome and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord must also be familiar to clinicians, as well as how to differentiate a conus medullaris from a cauda equina syndrome.