Spinal cord

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
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[edit | edit source]

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

ME patient autopsies have shown changes to the spinal cord[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  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.