Spinal Cord Enlargements and Terminations

Thoracic segment

Segment of the spinal cord that supplies the internal and external intercostal muscles

Diameter of the spinal cord

Approximately 2 cm, with larger areas at the cervical and lumbar enlargements

Filum terminale

Extension of the pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx

Lumbosacral enlargement

Inferior enlargement of the spinal cord, extending from the ninth to the twelfth thoracic vertebra

Cervical enlargement

Superior enlargement of the spinal cord, extending from C4 to T1

Conus medullaris

Tapering, conical structure at the inferior end of the spinal cord