Spinal cord

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Spinal Cord Sectional Anatomy

The spinal cord has three layers of protection called meninges. Dura mater: the tough (durable) outer layer. Arachnoid mater: called this because it has a spider-web/leggy appearance. Pia mater (soft mother): a very delicate layer that attaches to the spinal cord and follows the contours of the cord or brain.

There’s also 3 spaces: Subarachnoid: deep to the arachnoid mater that contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Subdural: a potential space below the dura mater. Epidural: Fat.[citation needed]

The brain and spinal cord have their own immune system.[1] Microglia cells are a part of that immune system.[2]

Injury to the brain or spinal cord, such as those caused by stroke or trauma, result in a considerable weakening of the immune system.[3] 

Spinal cord and ME

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - Myel: Relating to the spinal cord. Itis: Inflammation[4][5][6][7]

ME patient autopsies have shown changes to the spinal cord

Learn more

See also

References

  1. "Scientists create new map of brain's immune system". ScienceDaily. February 19, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  2. "Brain immune system is key to recovery from motor neuron degeneration: Results in study point to new approaches for ALS therapy". ScienceDaily. February 20, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  3. "An interconnection between the nervous and immune system: Neuroendocrine reflex triggers infections". ScienceDaily. September 29, 2017. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  4. Hooper, Malcolm (February 2005). "Invest in ME Research - The Terminology of ME & CFS". Invest in ME Research. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  5. "encephalomyelitis". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  6. "myel-". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  7. "Itis". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved August 12, 2018.