Question #23cc5
1 Answer
Quite a few things...
Explanation:
Firstly, the spinal chord itself is made up of both Grey Matter and White Matter . These are both made up of nerve cells ( Neurons ), but their function is different.
In simple terms, if you compare them to the workings of any computer, the grey matter compares to the printed circuits: short, uncovered connections resulting in dense centres of data processing. In contrast, the white matter is more like the cables that connect the hard drives, CD-player etc. to the motherboard: long, and usually insulated with myelin, they run across longer distances.
Both Grey and White matter are protected by three membranes: the Meninges. Of these three layers of tissue, the Pia Mater is the one directly covering the Chord. Surrounding this is the Arachnoid Mater . It derives its name from its open-structured, spiderweb-like appearance. The outermost layer is the Dura Mater. Especially this latter layer provides a very tough and resilient coating.
Between the Pia Mater and the Arachnoid Mater is the Subarachnoid Cavity. This contains fibrous, sponge-like tissue that contains CSF (Cerebro Spinal Fluid).
Regarding the space between the Arachnoid Mater and the Dura Mater: the classic view is that there IS a space called the Subdural cavity, but there is some controversy here, as there is nothing contained within it. Hence it is often called a " Potential Space ".... (See also https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8421539 )...
Finally, there is the Epidural Space, located Outside the Dura Mater. This contains fat, veins, spinal arteries, and lymphatics..
The Meninges:
The Spinal Chord runs through the Foramen (hole) in the Vertebrae. This is also filled with adipose tissue which offers further insulation.
Finally, all is safely ensconced within the bony structures of the Vertebrae themselves....
Vertebrae:
