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Thoracic meninges, spinal cord and nerve roots dissected in relation to vertebral column

Epidural space, dura mater and spinal cord in upper thoracic region

Image #218-6

KEYWORDS: Central nervous system, Thoracic region, Vertebral column.

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Higher resolution images are available for a fee. Contact Drew Bourn, PhD, MLIS.

Thoracic meninges, spinal cord and nerve roots dissected in relation to vertebral column

Epidural space, dura mater and spinal cord in upper thoracic region

A laminectomy has been performed and the epidural space has been cleared of adipose tissue to reveal the posterior part of the internal vertebral venous plexus lying against the dura mater. The area included in this close-up photograph may be visualized in relation to the entire back by reference to view 217-2 wherein such muscles as the semispinalis capitis and splenius cervicis (1 and 3 in the present view) may also be seen.

1 .	Semispinalis capitis muscle (reflected)
2 .	Dura mater
3 .	Splenius cervicis muscle (reflected)
4 .	Posterior internal vertebral venous plexus
5 .	Rhomboid major muscle (cut across)
6 .	Iliocostalis muscle
7 .	Trapezius muscle (cut across)
8 .	Posterior funiculus of spinal cord
9 .	Dorsal roots cervical nerve VII
10 .	Lamina (arch of vertebra) Th. I (cut across)
11 .	Serratus posterior superior muscle
12 .	Longissimus thoracis muscle