Filum

Filum is a term used in anatomy and neurology to refer to a thread-like structure. The most common usage of the term is in reference to the filum terminale, a delicate strand of fibrous tissue, about 20 cm in length, proceeding downward from the apex of the conus medullaris.

Anatomy

The filum terminale is a flexible strand of tissue that attaches the bottom of the spinal cord to the lower end of the spine. It is made up of two parts: the filum terminale internum and the filum terminale externum.

Filum Terminale Internum

The filum terminale internum is the upper section of the filum terminale. It is about 15 cm long and extends from the conus medullaris to the second sacral vertebra. It is surrounded by the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, two of the three meninges that protect the spinal cord.

Filum Terminale Externum

The filum terminale externum is the lower section of the filum terminale. It is about 5 cm long and extends from the second sacral vertebra to the coccyx. It is surrounded by the dura mater and is more fibrous than the filum terminale internum.

Function

The main function of the filum terminale is to stabilize the spinal cord within the spinal canal. By anchoring the spinal cord to the coccyx, the filum terminale helps to prevent excessive movement of the spinal cord within the spinal canal.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities of the filum terminale can lead to a number of medical conditions, including tethered cord syndrome and lipoma of the filum terminale. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including back pain, leg pain, and bowel or bladder dysfunction.

See Also

• Spinal cord
• Conus medullaris
• Tethered cord syndrome

References

Filum Resources
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