Filum terminale

Filum terminale is a fibrous extension of the Pia mater that extends from the apical end of the Medullary cone to the coccyx. It is one of the modifications of the Pia mater in the Spinal cord region.

Anatomy

The Filum terminale is a delicate filament, about 20 cm. in length. It is continuous above with the Pia mater and extends from the apex of the Medullary cone to the back of the first segment of the coccyx. It is ensheathed by an extension of the Dura mater, the Dural sac, which terminates in a small cul-de-sac after the second sacral vertebra. The filum terminale is named so because it is the terminal end of the spinal cord.

Function

The Filum terminale helps to anchor the Spinal cord in the Vertebral column. It does not have any significant physiological function. However, it plays a crucial role in the surgical procedure called Laminectomy where it is often cut to release tension on the spinal cord.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the Filum terminale may become thickened and tethered, causing a condition known as Tethered cord syndrome. This can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including pain, numbness, and loss of motor control. Treatment typically involves surgical release of the tethered filum terminale.

See also

• Spinal cord
• Pia mater
• Medullary cone
• Coccyx
• Laminectomy
• Tethered cord syndrome

References

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