Exploration of the spinal cord and meninges in situ

Close-up view of meningeal relations to roots and ganglion of 5th cervical nerve

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Image #32-7

Exploration of the spinal cord and meninges in situ

Close-up view of meningeal relations to roots and ganglion of 5th cervical nerve

The spinal cord has been divided between the fifth and sixth cervical segments. The fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae have been cut away extensively on the right to expose the nerve roots (8, 9), ganglion (22) and posterior primary division (23) of the fifth cervical nerve. Arterial branches of the vertebral artery, passing along both nerve roots to the spinal cord, also supply the dura mater.

1. Posterior median sulcus and gracile fasciculus
2. Posterior intermediate sulcus and cuneate fasciculus
3. Lateral funiculus
4. Internal vertebral venous plexus
5. Gray columns of spinal cord
6. Anterior spinal artery and arachnoid
7. Dura mater
8. Dorsal root cervical nerve V
9. Ventral root cervical nerve V
10. Posterior longitudinal ligament
11. Internal vertebral venous plexus
12. Roots cervical nerve VI (cut across)
13. Denticulate ligament
14. Arch of cervical vertebra IV (cut across)
15. Inferior articular process
16. Accessory filament of posterior roots
17. Artery within epidural space
18. Root arch of cervical vertebra V
19. Anterior tubercle cervical vertebra V
20. Vertebral artery within transverse foramen
21. Posterior tubercle cervical vertebra V
22. Spinal ganglion (note that dura fuses to nerve roots medial to the ganglion)
23. Posterior branch of cervical nerve V
24. Root arch of cervical vertebra VI
25. Synovial fold
26. Superior articular surface of cervical vertebra VII