Body System3 connections · 1 source
Cauda Equina
A bundle of spinal nerve roots that extends from the end of the spinal cord to innervate the tail, hind limbs, bladder, and lower gastrointestinal tract.
Key Facts
- It resembles a horse's tail in appearance, which is the origin of its anatomical name.
- The spinal cord typically ends at the fifth lumbar vertebra, leaving these nerves to extend further down.
- Damage to this nerve bundle can cause loss of tail mobility, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence.
- Over-stretching or tearing of these nerves determines the long-term prognosis for tail pull injuries.