Question

The cauda equina comprises the nerve roots of which spinal nerves?

1) Lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal spinal nerves
2) Cervical and thoracic spinal nerves
3) Cranial nerves
4) Peripheral nerves

Answer 1

The cauda equina is made up of the nerve roots from the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal spinal nerves, which continue beyond the termination of the spinal cord.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cauda equina comprises the nerve roots of lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal spinal nerves. Specifically, these are the nerve roots that extend from where the spinal cord ends and continue down within the vertebral column. When the spinal nerves pass through the intervertebral foramina at various levels of the vertebral column, they continue to grow with it, even after the spinal cord stops growing. Because the spinal cord does not extend the full length of the vertebral column in adults, the bundle of nerves at the lower end that continues beyond the spinal cord termination is named the cauda equina, which means "horse's tail" in Latin due to its resemblance to a horse's tail.