Anatomical and Pathophysiological Features of Cauda Equina

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Review of literature on anatomical and pathophysiological features of cauda equina. OBJECTIVES: To look into the anatomical and pathophysiological features of cauda equina and support their basic knowledge of treating cauda equina syndrome. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW Cauda equina has different anatomical and pathophysiological features to peripheral nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of literature. RESULTS: When compressing to cauda equina, the pathophysiologic mechanism develop as follows; increasing the vascular permiablity of nerve root, intraneural edema, and subsequent blood and nutritional impairment. Nerve root injury develops through this pathophysiologic mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Cauda equina has an extensive ateriovenous anastomosis and guaze-like pia mater, which supply blood and neutrition to it. These anatomical features prevent it from complete cauda equina syndrome when compressing to it under arterial blood pressure.