Where is the spinal cord in a cat? - briefly
The spinal cord in a cat is located within the vertebral column, extending from the base of the skull to the lower back.
Where is the spinal cord in a cat? - in detail
The spinal cord in a cat is a vital part of the central nervous system, extending from the base of the brainstem through the vertebral canal, which is formed by the vertebrae of the spine. It begins at the medulla oblongata, located at the caudal end of the brain, and continues down the length of the cat's back, terminating in the lumbar region, where it tapers into a structure called the conus medullaris. The spinal cord is encased and protected by the bony vertebrae, as well as by three layers of meninges—the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater—which provide additional cushioning and support. Within the vertebral canal, the spinal cord is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a shock absorber and facilitates nutrient exchange. It serves as the primary pathway for transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body, coordinating motor and sensory functions. The spinal cord is segmented into regions corresponding to the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral areas of the spine, each responsible for innervating specific parts of the cat's body. Nerve roots emerge from the spinal cord through intervertebral foramina, branching out to form the peripheral nervous system. This anatomical arrangement ensures the spinal cord remains well-protected while maintaining its essential function in the cat's overall nervous system.