The lumbosacral enlargement is a widening of the lower spinal cord containing the neurons for the legs. It gives rise to the roots of the lumbar and sacral plexuses and tapers below into the conus medullaris.
| Location | Spinal cord segments L1 to S3, lying roughly at the T9 to T12 vertebral levels |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Connections | |
| Blood Supply | Anterior spinal artery; Great anterior radiculomedullary artery (artery of Adamkiewicz); Posterior spinal arteries |
Houses the neurons that control and receive sensation from the hips, legs and feet.
The lumbosacral enlargement lies opposite the lower thoracic vertebrae, so a T11 or T12 fracture can damage leg-controlling segments. It depends heavily on the artery of Adamkiewicz, which can be injured in aortic surgery, causing anterior cord infarction and paraplegia. Lesions here may combine upper and lower motor neuron signs in the legs.
Loss of blood supply through the artery of Adamkiewicz causing sudden leg paralysis and loss of pain sensation with preserved vibration sense.
A fracture at T11-L1 damaging the lumbosacral enlargement and conus, causing leg weakness and bladder dysfunction.
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