The spinal cord itself is what size in relation to the vertebral column?

Question

Is it longer, shorter, or the same size?

Answer 1

I believe it to be shorter. The cord doesn't extend far down into the lumbar spine (low back). That is why when they do an epidural or a spinal tap they do it in that area, so they don't damage the cord. Well, I should say if it is done correctly.

Answer 2

It is shorter.It doesn't go all the length of the vertebral column.

Answer 3

I just did a cadaver dissection a month ago on the spine. It was pretty cool, we used a bone saw to slice through the length on either side of the spinal vertebrae and lifted it up.

What we saw was that the spinal cord (well the dural sac that envelopes the spinal cord) ends at about the L1-L2 intervertebral disc space. This makes sence because epidurals are given typically given in L4-L5 disc space after the spinal cord ends leaving only the cauda equina.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

believe it to be shorter. The cord doesn't extend far down into the lumbar spine. That is why when they do an epidural or a spinal tap they do it in that area, so they don't damage the cord.

Answer 5

spinal cord is continuous with the medulla oblongata and extends from the upper border of the atlas and to the lower border of 1st lumbar vertebra...it is approx 45cm long in an adult caucasian male,and is about  the thickness of a little finger.....so it is shorter......