Lumbar enlargement

Definition

The lumbar enlargement is a widened area of the spinal cord that gives rise to nerves which innervate the lower limbs. It occurs in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar regions, specifically from vertebrae T9 to T12, serving as a crucial neural hub for motor and sensory functions of the legs and pelvis.

Related terms

Spinal Cord:

The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column, acting as a major conduit for information traveling between the brain and the rest of the body.

Motor Neurons:

Motor neurons are nerve cells in the central nervous system that control movements by transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, initiating contraction.

Sensory Neurons: Sensory neurons are nerve cells within the nervous system responsible for converting external stimuli from the organism's environment into internal electrical impulses for sensory input