Cauda equina

The spinal cord ends in the lumbar area and continues as spinal nerves. Because of its resemblance to a horse's tail, the collection of these nerves at the end of the spinal cord is called the cauda equina. These nerves send and receive messages to and from the legs and pelvic organs.

Cauda equina


Review Date: 5/14/2018
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, Subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone and Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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