Anatomical Section of the Spinal Cord with Nerve Roots, Arteries, and Veins

Description

Cut through a transverse section of the spinal cord (medulla spinalis, myelon) reveals central gray matter in an H-shaped configuration surrounded by white matter funiculi, with the anterior median fissure opposite the posterior median sulcus. Paired dorsal (posterior) and ventral (anterior) rootlets emerge from the cord surface, converging laterally toward the spinal nerve, and the dorsal root ganglion is implied on the posterior root just proximal to the intervertebral foramen. Encircling the cord substance, longitudinal spinal arteries and veins form a perimedullary plexus, with segmental radicular vessels tracking alongside the nerve roots toward the pia mater. Orientation is clear. Vessels hug the cord. Neurovascular relationships at the root entry and exit zones matter because they mark the terrain where ischemia and compression translate into patterned neurologic deficits. The anterior spinal artery supplies the anterior two thirds of the cord, so compromise from a radiculomedullary feeder (classically the artery of Adamkiewicz in the lower thoracic to upper lumbar region) maps to anterior spinal artery syndrome with motor weakness and pain and temperature loss, while dorsal column function may be spared. That same corridor is scrutinized during thoracoabdominal aortic repair, embolization, and microsurgery for dural arteriovenous fistula, where distinguishing radicular veins from feeding arteries prevents iatrogenic cord infarction. Use this artwork for neuroanatomy and neurovascular teaching in medical and allied health curricula, for neurosurgical and vascular surgery atlases discussing root-level approaches and cord perfusion, and for neuroradiology texts correlating perimedullary venous drainage with congestive myelopathy on MRI. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.