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Spinal Cord - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 16:16, 12 July 2011
, 16:16, 12 July 2011→Vasculature
==Vasculature==
==Vasculature==
It is important to note that there is no direct vasculature to the spinal cord but instead there are a number of choriod plexi that act as an exchanger between the vasculature of the spinal cord/brain and the fluid surrounding these structures. This distinction is referred to as the "blood-brain barrier".
It is important to note that there is no direct vasculature to the spinal cord but instead there are a number of choroid plexuses that act as an exchanger between the vasculature of the spinal cord/brain and the fluid surrounding these structures. This distinction is referred to as the "blood-brain barrier".
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The vasculature of the spinal cord has a close relationship with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the subarachnoid space. This CSF effectively forms a water jacket that buoys up the spinal cord and protects it from external influences. Therefore it is extremely important that the CSF has the appropriate properties in order to undertake this role. The vasculature of the spinal cord therefore has to provide the appropriate level of oxygen, pressure and nutrients to maintain homeostasis of the spinal cord. As the CSF also performs this role within the skull, the vasculature of the brain therefore has an important relationship with every aspect of the ventricles and subarachnoid space within the central nervous system.
The vasculature of the spinal cord has a close relationship with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the subarachnoid space. This CSF effectively forms a water jacket that buoys up the spinal cord and protects it from external influences. Therefore it is extremely important that the CSF has the appropriate properties in order to undertake this role. The vasculature of the spinal cord therefore has to provide the appropriate level of oxygen, pressure, pH and nutrients to maintain homeostasis of the spinal cord. As the CSF also performs this role within the skull, the vasculature of the brain therefore has an important relationship with every aspect of the ventricles and subarachnoid space within the central nervous system.
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For more detailed information on CSF, please see [[Cerebral_Spinal_Fluid_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|CSF Physiology]].
For more detailed information on CSF, please see [[Cerebral_Spinal_Fluid_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|CSF Physiology]].
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===Arterial Supply===
The spinal cord is supplied by three main arteries that run along its length; the '''Ventral Spinal Artery''', and paired '''dorsolateral spinal arteries'''. The ventral spinal artery is the largest and follows the ventral fissure of the spinal cord. The dorsolateral arteries run close to the groove from which the dorsal nerve roots arise. Together with these three main arteries, the spinal cord is also supplied by branches from regional arteries including branches in the cervical, intercostal, lumbar and sacral regions. These regional arteries enter the spine at the intervertebral foramina, often accompanying the roots of spinal nerves. These regional arteries also form plexuses into which the three main longitudinal arteries run.
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