What is filum terminale?

The filum terminale is a fibrous strand of tissue that extends from the bottom of the spinal cord to the coccyx (tailbone). It is a part of the central nervous system and is considered to be an extension of the spinal cord.

The filum terminale helps to stabilize the spinal cord within the spinal canal and provides support and protection to the lower spinal cord and nerve roots. It also helps to prevent excessive movement of the spinal cord during activities such as bending and twisting.

There are two parts to the filum terminale: the filum terminale internum and the filum terminale externum. The filum terminale internum is made up of nervous tissue that extends from the conus medullaris (the end of the spinal cord) to the beginning of the filum terminale externum. The filum terminale externum is a fibrous tissue that continues from the conus medullaris to the coccyx.

Issues related to the filum terminale include tethered cord syndrome, a condition in which the filum terminale is abnormally attached to the spinal canal, causing tension that can lead to various neurological symptoms. Treatment for tethered cord syndrome may involve surgery to release the tension on the spinal cord.