Spinal canal

The Spinal Canal (also known as the vertebral canal, neural canal, or spinal cavity) is the space in the vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes. It is a crucial part of the human anatomy that houses and protects the spinal cord, the central pathway for information connecting the brain and the body.

Structure

The spinal canal is formed by a series of small holes in the vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other. These holes form a long, tube-like canal that runs the entire length of the spine. The spinal canal is surrounded by the vertebral body, which is the thick, disc-shaped part of the vertebrae that supports the weight of the body.

The spinal canal is filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which provides a protective cushion around the spinal cord. This fluid also provides nutrients to the spinal cord and helps to remove waste products.

Clinical significance

The size and shape of the spinal canal can vary greatly from person to person. In some cases, the spinal canal may be narrower than normal, a condition known as spinal stenosis. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.

Other conditions that can affect the spinal canal include spinal cord injury, spinal tumors, and spinal infections. These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and disability.

See also

• Spinal cord
• Vertebrae
• Spinal stenosis
• Cerebrospinal fluid

References

• 
  Diagram showing the body cavities
• 
  Illustration from Gray's Anatomy