spinal

Spinal is an adjective relating to the spine or the spinal cord, two central elements of the nervous system. It can refer to the vertebral column that protects the spinal cord, to the cord itself, or to structures derived from or connected with them. The term is used in medical, anatomical, and anatomical-physiological contexts.

Anatomy generally centers on the vertebral column and the spinal cord. The spine consists of segments of vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions, separated by intervertebral discs and held by ligaments. The spinal cord runs within the vertebral canal from the brainstem to about the level of L1–L2 in adults. It is encased by the spinal meninges—the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater—and bathed in cerebrospinal fluid contained in the subarachnoid space. Spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord through intervertebral foramina, forming networks that innervate the body. Sensory fibers travel toward the brain through dorsal roots, while motor fibers exit via ventral roots, with reflex circuits also operating at the spinal level.

Functionally, the spinal system transmits motor commands from the brain to muscles and conveys sensory information from the body back to the brain. It also mediates many reflexes and coordinates movements in conjunction with the brain.

Clinically, injuries or disease affecting the spine or spinal cord—such as trauma, stenosis, disc herniation, tumors, or degenerative conditions—can impact movement and sensation. Procedures like spinal anesthesia and lumbar puncture involve access to the subarachnoid space, illustrating the practical medical relevance of spinal structures.