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

Transverse section of body of eighth thoracic vertebra illustrating relations of blood vessels, nerves and ligaments

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Image #219-2

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

Transverse section of body of eighth thoracic vertebra illustrating relations of blood vessels, nerves and ligaments

The thoracic part of the spinal cord has been exposed by a laminectomy. The upper thoracic vertebra have been completely removed for this view, including the upper half of the body of the eighth vertebra. The interrelations of the internal and external vertebral venous plexuses and the basivertebral vein (5) are visible. The specimen is viewed from above.

1. Dorsal roots thoracic nerve IX
2. Spinal cord
3. Dura mater and arachnoid
4. Pedicle (arch of vertebra) Th. VIIl (partially removed)
5. Upper pointer: Anterior internal vertebral venous plexus Lower pointer: Basivertebral vein
6. Body of vertebra Th. VIII (partly cut away)
7. Ganglion of sympathetic trunk
8. Greater splanchnic nerve
9. Anterior longitudinal ligament
10. Intervertebral disc Th. VII- VIII (remnant)
11. Denticulate ligament
12. Superior articular process vertebra Th. IX
13. Dorsal branch thoracic nerve VIII
14. Spinal ganglion
15. Ventral branch thoracic nerve VIII
16. Intervertebral foramen
17. Posterior intercostal vein
18. Parietal pleura
19. Posterior intercostal artery VII
20. Hemiazygos vein