Vertebral column and spinal nerves (Latin)

The nn. spinales C1-C7 exit the canalis vertebralis through the foramina intervertebralia above their respective vertebrae. N. spinalis C8 does not have an associated vertebra and therefore exits the canalis vertebralis through the foramen intervertebrale below vertebra C7. As a result, all remaining nn. spinales, beginning at vertebra T1 exit the canalis vertebralis below their associated vertebrae. The nn. spinales sacrales exit the vertebral canal through the sacral foramina while the single n. coccygeus leaves the canalis vertebralis over the anterior aspect of the os coccygis. Along the length of the spinal cord are two regions of enlargement: the intumescentia cervicalis (spinal segments C5-T1) and the intumescentia lumbosacralis (spinal segments L2-S3). These enlargements provide innervation to the upper and lower limbs, respectively. The spinal cord is shorter than the vertebral column and terminates at the conus medullaris at the level of the vertebrae L1/L2. The rr. anteriores/posteriores which extend below the level of the spinal cord (nn. spinales lumbales, sacrales, coccygei) form a nerve bundle which takes on the appearance of a horse's tail and is thus known as the cauda equina.