Gerinccsatornához

Gerinccsatornához is a Hungarian term that translates to "spinal canal" in English. The spinal canal, also known as the vertebral canal or neural canal, is a cavity within the vertebral column that houses and protects the spinal cord. This vital structure extends from the foramen magnum at the base of the skull down to the sacrum.

The spinal cord, a crucial part of the central nervous system, transmits nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It is surrounded and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid within the spinal canal. The walls of the spinal canal are formed by the vertebral arches of individual vertebrae, which are stacked upon each other to create a continuous, protective tube.

Injuries or conditions affecting the spinal canal can have serious consequences, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, or paralysis due to compression or damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots. Common issues include spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the canal, and herniated discs, where the soft center of an intervertebral disc protrudes and can press on neural structures. Medical imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans are often used to visualize the spinal canal and diagnose related problems.