Cauda Equina Syndrome a rare spinal disorder that causes a collection of symptoms due to an injury to the spinal nerve roots called the cauda equina (CE). The CE is located in the lumbar spinal canal and down through the sacrum. Cauda equina translates from latin to english to "horses tail as that was how it was described during dissection. The cauda equina transmits signals to the body from the spinal cord and from the body to the spinal cord; it is the relay of motor and sensory signals to the lower extremities, genitalia, lower abdomen, bladder, and bowels.
The cauda equina is currently classified as part of the peripheral nervous system as it is made up of lower motor neurons and the spinal cord and brain are made up of upper motor neurons. This is the reason Cauda Equina Syndrome is NOT a spinal cord injury, even though it resides within the spinal canal, the meninges, and cerebral spinal fluid.
The cauda equina is currently classified as part of the peripheral nervous system as it is made up of lower motor neurons and the spinal cord and brain are made up of upper motor neurons. This is the reason Cauda Equina Syndrome is NOT a spinal cord injury, even though it resides within the spinal canal, the meninges, and cerebral spinal fluid.