In order for the central nervous system to function well, it is necessary that the spinal cord is supplied with blood without failures and in sufficient quantities. With blood supply, nerve tissues are saturated with oxygen and useful elements. If blood supply is normal, then metabolic products are excreted and metabolism occurs inside the cells. To ensure many vital processes, the spinal cord has a rather complex structure. In addition, he is able to be responsible for the proper functioning of muscle contractions, and this greatly affects the movement of the joints. With insufficient blood supply to the spinal cord, joint dysfunction may occur. A doctor from England T. Willis opened the anterior spinal artery in 1664. From this began the study of blood supply to the spinal cord.
Spinal cord anatomy
The spinal cord of a person has the appearance of a thick white tourniquet that is placed in the canal of the spine. Its length can reach 45 cm and a diameter of about 1.5 cm. The weight of the spinal cord averages about 38 g.
Located and protected in a narrow spinal canal. The middle of the spinal cord is composed of gray matter, which covers an element of white color. This substance is covered with special membranes that nourish and also protect the middle of the spinal cord.
Topography and structure
The spinal cord is built and functions quite complicated. Neurosurgeon specialists are seriously studying its development. Ordinary people are very interested in information about the main role of the spinal cord and the topography of blood supply, innervation.
The spinal cord, which is located at the level of the neck and neck, at the site of the opening passes into an organ such as the cerebellum. Where the first two lumbar vertebrae are placed, the spinal cord ends. Its cone is located next to the vertebrae at the lower back. Then comes the so-called terminal thread, which is listed as the atrophied part, otherwise called the “end region”. Nerve endings are arranged throughout this thread. The terminal thread contains such a substance, which contains a small part of the nervous tissue.
In the place where the processes of innervation come out, there are several thickenings: lumbar and cervical. Actually, they are covered by the topography of the spinal cord. The middle openings highlight the rear and outer surface of the tourniquet.
How is it carried out?
How is the blood supply to the spinal cord? Providing the tourniquet with blood is made by the arteries adjacent to it. Blood supply to the spinal cord is carried out using the carotid and paired vertebral arteries. The main part of the transferred blood falls on the carotid arteries. The anterior artery located along the tourniquet slit is formed by connecting the branches of the spinal arteries. Arteries located in the front opening of the tourniquet are sources of blood supply to the spinal cord. Their placement is behind the harness. These arteries close to the neck and the posterior lumbar, intercostal and sacral lateral arteries, in the middle of which there is a network of anastomoses. In addition, blood supply to the spinal cord is also carried out with the help of veins that provide blood outflow.
Spinal cord blood anatomy
The structure of the arteries and blood vessels of the spinal cord is quite complex, since they are connected by a multitude of anastomoses, which is a network surrounding the surface of the spinal cord. Its scientific name is Vasa corona. Its structure is quite complex. Vessels located perpendicular to the main trunks depart from this ring. They enter the spinal canal through the vertebrae themselves. Between the trunks, in the middle, there are many anastomoses, of which usually a large network of capillaries is formed. As a rule, in white matter there is a less dense network of capillaries than in gray matter.
The blood supply to the spinal cord can be briefly described as follows: it is supplied with blood through three spinal arteries, one vertebral artery, segmental arteries and small vessels of the soft shell of the spinal cord.
Vertebral artery
The vertebral artery is a large vessel with a lumen of more than 4 mm. It enters the thickness of the spine at the location of the sixth cervical vertebra. This artery saturates with blood some parts of the brain and the upper zone of the spinal cord. That is why the structure of the spinal cord and brain is usually considered together.
The spinal arteries in the spinal canal are branches extending from the vertebral artery. On the front surface is one of the structures, from which small vessels also depart. They are localized in the center of the spinal cord. From there, blood, which is saturated with oxygen and useful elements, enters the capillaries. They, in turn, fill the nerve cells with blood.
Two spinal arteries, having a smaller clearance than in the anterior artery, follow the posterior surface of the spinal cord. Branches departing from them are connected with the branches of the anterior artery. This results in a vasculature surrounding the spinal cord. The circulatory network is closely connected with the vessels located behind the spinal column. These vessels supply the white matter of the spinal cord.
Radicular-spinal vessels extending from the branches of the aorta provide additional blood supply to the spinal cord in the departments located below the cervical. They receive blood from branches of the ascending and vertebral arteries, which are located in the thoracic region. Arteries of the lumbar and intervertebral type send blood to the lower parts of the spinal cord, passing through the openings between the vertebrae. These arteries enter the network covering the spinal cord.
The dorso-spinal artery is one of the branches of the intercostal artery. It is divided into the posterior and anterior radicular arteries. They pass through the intervertebral foramen together with the nerve roots.
The artery, which is located in front of the spinal cord, starts from two branches of the vertebral spinal arteries, connecting and forming a single trunk. Along the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, two posterior spinal arteries are sent, originating from the vertebral arteries.
The radicular and spinal arteries receive blood from the cervical ascending and vertebral arteries, as well as from the lumbar and intercostal. They regulate the nutrition of most parts of the spinal cord, except for the two upper cervical segments, which are supplied with blood through the vertebral spinal arteries.
Venous system
The spinal cord has a very well developed venous system. The most important venous channels receive venous blood from the substance of the spinal cord. They pass in the longitudinal direction in the same way as arterial trunks. Venous channels form a permanent venous tract, connecting at the top with veins at the base of the skull. The veins of the spinal cord have a connection with the veins of various body cavities through the venous plexus of the spine.
Blood supply zones
The spinal cord from the inside is supplied with blood into three different zones. The first zone is a gelatinous substance, Clark's pillars, as well as the lateral, front and rear bases of the horns, which represent most of the gray matter. They are located differently for each person. This zone also consists of a portion of white matter, the structures of which are the posterior and anterior cords. They represent the ventral and deep divisions. The branches of the spinal artery of the anterior view mainly feed the first zone with blood. The second zone consists of cords and the outer sections of the posterior horns. The Burdah beam in this zone is less supplied with blood than the Gaulle beam. Branches extending from the spinal posterior artery are of anastomotic type. They feed the bunches of Gaulle and Burdach. Departments of white matter are included in the third zone, which is supplied with marginal arteries.
Spinal cord membrane
Shells perform a shock-absorbing and protective function. The membranes of the spinal cord and the brain are very similar in structure, since the brain is a continuation of the spine. The dorsal contains three membranes: soft, medium and hard.
It connects the cerebrospinal fluid and the middle (arachnoid) membrane of the soft membrane. It contains blood vessels and spans the spinal cord.
The arachnoid (middle) layer does not contain blood vessels. It is located between the inner and outer layers of the brain. The middle shell is small in thickness and is able to form a subdural space. It includes cerebrospinal fluid and nerve roots.
The hard shell consists of venous webs and limits the epidural space. It forms the transverse and sagittal sinuses. In this case, the diaphragm of the saddle and sickle of the cerebellum and the cerebrum are formed.
The soft membrane covers the spinal cord, on top of it is the middle layer, at the very top is a protective layer.
Spinal cord function
The soft membrane nourishes the blood and beneficial elements of the brain. It helps to normalize the metabolism and supports human performance.
The middle shell helps in the metabolism and the formation of hormones. Between the middle and soft layer is a cavity called cerebrospinal fluid. It, in turn, catalyzes human metabolism and helps protect the brain as much as possible.
The function of the arachnoid membrane - the layer plays a significant role in the appearance of hormones and the metabolic process in the body, as well as in the neurology of blood supply to the spinal cord. Functions are associated with the peculiarity of the shell device. Between the soft and cobweb layer, a subarachnoid cavity arises, in which cerebrospinal fluid is contained. A very important function in the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord is the neurology of the membrane. Cerebrospinal fluid is responsible for the formation of nerve tissue. Connective mesh tissue is the middle membrane of the spinal cord. It is very durable and small in thickness. There are no nerves in this membrane.
The hard shell takes an important part in the blood supply, and, being a natural shock absorber, reduces the mechanical effect on the brain during injuries or movement.
Pachion granulations and cerebrospinal fluid
There are certain features of the blood supply to the spinal cord. Initially, blood does not directly enter the spinal cord. Initially, it passes through a large number of departments and shells, and only after that it passes into a different state, splitting into useful elements. They, in turn, enter the cerebrospinal fluid, delivering substances to the spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is a cerebrospinal fluid circulating between the brain and spinal cord. It is produced by the plexus of vessels located in the ventricles of the brain. After filling the ventricles, the cerebrospinal fluid enters the spinal canal. Liquor protects the spinal cord from damage through the depreciation it created. Cerebrospinal fluid enters the venous sinuses due to granulation occurring in the middle membrane.
Neurotransmitters
An important role in the blood supply to the spinal cord is played by neurotransmitters. They contribute to the release of beneficial substances from the blood, and also produce a special secret through the synthesis of protein compounds and polypeptides. The number and activity of the resulting circulatory disorders is associated with the work of neurotransmitters, since they are located in nerve cells.
Circulatory disorders
There are several causes of circulatory disorders in the spinal cord. Various problems of the cardiovascular system are often referred to such problems: heart disease; blood clots in the vessels; atherosclerosis of blood vessels; hypotension (low blood pressure); arterial aneurysm. Atherosclerosis and osteochondrosis, which are common in many people, even in young people, are considered to be fairly common causes of circulatory disorders. In addition, one of the factors of blood supply disturbance is the deterioration of the musculoskeletal system. A full blood supply to the spinal cord is very important, since each vessel in the system plays a large role in the functioning of the spinal cord.
Sometimes a variety of disorders may appear. Blood supply to the membranes of the spinal cord can slow down as a result of the appearance of hernias, proliferation of tumors and bone tissue, and severe muscle spasms. In addition, crushing may occur due to previous fractures of the spine. With the closure of the vertebral artery in the cervical region, the blood supply to the membranes of the spinal cord is very disturbed. Since this artery constantly supplies blood to the human body.
Disruption of blood supply can also occur due to contusion of the spinal cord. This problem may arise due to a surgical operation or diagnostic tests: manual therapy, improper lumbar puncture. Fractures and hemorrhages due to aneurysm are critical.
Hematomyelia
Hematomyelia is a very strong violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord. Blood flow retention occurs much more often than hemorrhage. Hematomyelia can be characterized by the destruction of the walls of blood vessels that are in the spinal canal, resulting in hemorrhage in the spinal cord. The cause of this phenomenon can be all kinds of mechanical damage. The occurrence of a hematoma in the spinal cord is very dangerous for the central nervous system. The cause of this may be an infectious disease, mechanical stress, a tumor, impaired blood coagulation. It also happens that hemorrhage occurs due to some kind of medical manipulation. This disease does not appear at all. Symptoms of hematomyelia can be: impaired coordination, uncontrolled bowel movements and urination, problems with sensitivity and paralysis of the limbs. To identify this disease, conduct computed and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Preventive measures against disorders of the blood supply to the spinal cord
To improve blood circulation of the spinal cord, the following complex is relevant: prevention of degenerative-dystrophic distortions in the joints and prevention of atherosclerosis.
It is impossible to identify hematomyelia and blood supply pathologies obtained by inheritance without the help of a specialist doctor. But everyone can affect their lifestyle, attracting more and more physical stress to the health of joints and blood vessels.
Improving the blood supply to the spinal cord and brain
Very often, the following question arises before people: how to restore blood supply to the spinal cord? It is not allowed to use drugs on their own without the permission of a specialist doctor. To improve blood circulation in the brain, doctors usually prescribe the following drugs:
- Psychostimulants.
- Vasodilator drugs.
- Anti-platelet gluing agents.
- Nootropic drugs.
Blood clotting aids
In addition, it is very important to review your diet. For better blood supply to the spinal cord and brain, it is recommended to use the following products:
- Nuts and sunflower seeds.
- Berries - cranberries, lingonberries.
- Vegetable oil - olive, linseed, pumpkin.
- Fish - salmon, tuna, trout.
- Bitter chocolate.
- Green tea.
Also, in order to prevent dysfunctions in the activity of the brain and spinal cord, it is recommended to avoid an immobile, sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, you should regularly walk, run, play sports, and also exercise, which can activate and improve blood circulation throughout the human body as a whole.
In addition, baths and saunas also help a lot, because the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord improves when the body warms up. Also, some alternative medicine remedies are very effective: propolis, periwinkle and many others.