Spinal cord



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.

The brain and spinal cord have their own immune system. Microglia cells are a part of that immune system.

Injury to the brain or spinal cord, such as those caused by stroke or trauma, result in a considerable weakening of the immune system.

Spinal cord and ME
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - Myel: Relating to the spinal cord. Itis: Inflammation

ME patient autopsies have shown changes to the spinal cord

 * Sophia Mirza's autopsy showed her spine contained massive infection. (Note: Sophia's Death Notice has her death due to CFS)
 * Lynn Gilderdale had ganglionitis which is an inflammation of dorsal root ganglia of her spine, typical for a neurological illness.
 * Merryn Crofts's autopsy showed she had ganglionitis.

Learn more

 * 2-Minute Neuroscience: Spinal Cord Cross-section
 * 2-Minute Neuroscience: Exterior of the Spinal Cord
 * Spinal nerve