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What Is the Conus Medullaris?

The conus medullaris is the cone-shaped tip of the lower back that forms the lower end of the spinal cord. Extending from the conus medullaris is the cauda equina, or horse's tail, which is a string-like series of nerve endings that were thought to resemble a tail by early scientists.

  1. Spinal Cord

    • The central nervous system encompasses the brain stem and extends through the spinal cord to the conus medullaris. The spinal cord is an average of 18 inches in length; a fibrous band extends from the conus medullaris to the pelvis. The conus medullaris is located between thoracic vertebrae and the beginning of the lumbar vertebrae, although in some cases it can be located between two lumbar vertebrae. The conus medullaris is responsible for controlling the legs, genitals, bowels and bladder.

    Injury

    • Medical conditions associated with the area of the spine include conus medullaris syndrome which can be caused by infections; spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal column; trauma; spinal tumors; and blood clots. Conus medullaris syndrome can make physical movements difficult in severe cases, with symptoms including the loss of feeling in the legs, thighs and feet. Other severe symptoms include impotence and a loss of the normal function of the bowels and bladder.

    Symptoms

    • Pain and other symptoms of conus medullaris syndrome, including weakness in the lower part of the human body, are often mimicked by other problems with the lower back. Bulging and herniated discs are often confused with conus medullaris. Conus medullaris syndrome is caused by pressure placed on the lower back and are often bilateral, meaning the effects of conus medullaris problems are felt on both sides of the body. In severe cases, problems with the conus medullaris area of the back can result in problems walking and if emergency medical care is not sought the problems can result in paralysis.

    Messages

    • As a part of the spinal cord, the conus medullaris is covered in a substance known as cerebrospinal fluid and is surrounded by three protective layers called the meninges. These are the dura, arachnoid and pia mater. Messages in the form of electrical impulses pass from the brain through the spinal cord to the nerves and muscles of the lower extremities. The spinal cord of the human body passes electrical impulses through the peripheral nervous system to the required location within the body.

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