selkäydinkanavalle

Selkäydinkanava, also known as the vertebral canal or spinal canal, is a bony channel within the vertebral column that encloses and protects the spinal cord. This vital structure extends from the foramen magnum at the base of the skull down to the sacrum. It is formed by the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and the laminae of the vertebrae. The spinal cord, a crucial part of the central nervous system, runs through this canal, transmitting nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Within the spinal canal, the spinal cord is further protected by three membranes called meninges: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates within the subarachnoid space, between the arachnoid and pia mater, acting as a cushion and shock absorber for the spinal cord. The spinal canal also houses blood vessels that supply the spinal cord and nerve roots that branch off from it. Narrowing of the spinal canal, a condition known as spinal stenosis, can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. Various factors can cause spinal stenosis, including degenerative changes associated with aging, herniated discs, bone spurs, and tumors.