Cauda Equina

Cauda equina (horse’s tail) is so-called because of its appearance. It is found at the lower end of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is shorter than the spinal (vertebral) canal in which it runs, ending at the approximate level of the first or second lumbar vertebra (this may vary slightly from person to person). The cauda equina contains the nerve roots from L1-5 and S1-5. Nerve roots L4-S4 join in the sacral plexus which gives rise to the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. The sacral plexus is also involved in sensory and motor nerves to and from the anal and genital regions. The nerve roots emerge in pairs from the relevant vertebral foramen (hole)