Neurology - A Review Part II

general organization continued...

31 - the number of spinal nerves pair
12 - the number of cranial nerves pair

*All cervical nerves EXIT at their corresponding vertebrae...

BUT, thoraci nerve 1 and the remainder of the nerves exit below their corresponding numbered vertebrae.

Cervical 8 - UNIQUE

Why? It is because it has no corresponding numbered vertebra.

The Spinal Cord

- is shorter than the vertebral column so that the roots will extend caudally when leaving the cord.
- ends at about the level of L2

but;

L2 to S5 continue caudally which is called the cauda equina or what they call the horse's tail

to be continued...