X CLOSE

Exploration of the spinal cord and meninges in situ

Arachnoid membrane covering cauda equina

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Image #33-6
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Exploration of the spinal cord and meninges in situ
Arachnoid membrane covering cauda equina
The dura has been cut away in such a manner that the arachnoid membrane remains intact. The filum terminale (15) appears as a white strand deep to the arachnoid. An extensive subarachnoid space surrounds nerve roots which form the cauda equina.
1 . Mamillary process of lumbar vertebra III
2 . Inferior articular process lumbar vertebra II
3 . Dorsal iliocostal muscle
4 . Arch of lumbar vertebra IV
5 . Lumbodorsal fascia
6 . Ligamentum flavum
7 . Epidural space and cut margin of dura
8 . Fibrous attachment of dura to sacrum
9 . Cystic enlargement of dura covering roots of second sacral nerve (note resorption of neighboring bone)
10 . Gluteus maximus muscle
11 . Spinous process lumbar vertebra II
12 . Branch lumbar artery
13 . Dura mater
14 . Arachnoid
15 . Filum terminale (beneath arachnoid)
16 . Root sacral nerve II
17 . Level at which spinal subarachnoid space terminates
18 . Filum spinal dura mater