Cauda equina
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.
Review Date: 7/10/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX
Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of
Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant
Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept
of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA,
Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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