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Vertebral Canal

canalis vertebralis

The vertebral canal is the continuous channel formed by the stacked vertebral foramina from the atlas to the sacrum. It contains the spinal cord, the cauda equina below about L1-L2, the meninges, epidural fat and veins. It is bounded in front by the vertebral bodies and discs and behind by the laminae and ligamenta flava.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Landmarks

Articulations	No joint; formed by the vertebral foramina of successive vertebrae linked by discs, facet joints and ligaments
Landmarks	Posterior longitudinal ligament (anterior wall) Ligamenta flava (posterior wall) Lateral recesses Sacral canal (lower continuation)
Ossification	Formed as the neural arches of each vertebra ossify and close posteriorly in early childhood; the canal reaches near adult size by about 5-10 years.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Lumbar spinal stenosis narrows the canal through disc bulge, facet hypertrophy and ligamentum flavum thickening, causing neurogenic claudication with leg pain on walking relieved by bending forward. Large central disc herniations or fractures can compress the cauda equina, a surgical emergency with saddle numbness and bladder dysfunction. The lumbar canal below the spinal cord is used for lumbar puncture and spinal anaesthesia.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Degenerative narrowing of the canal causes leg pain and heaviness on walking or standing, eased by sitting or flexion.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots in the canal, usually by a large central disc herniation, causing saddle anaesthesia, bladder and bowel dysfunction and leg weakness, which needs emergency surgery.

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