Letter C

Cauda equina

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A bundle of spinal nerve roots that arise from the bottom end of the spinal cord.

The cauda equina comprises the roots of all the spinal nerve roots below the level of the first lumbar (L1) vertebra, namely the sacral and coccygeal nerves.

So named because it resembles the tail (Latin, cauda) of a horse (Latin, equus).

See also Cauda equina syndrome

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