Meninges
Within the spinal canal, the spinal cord is surrounded by the epidural space, filled with fatty tissue, veins, and arteries. The fatty tissue acts as a shock absorber. The spinal cord is covered by meninges, which has three layers:
- Pia mater
- Subarachnoid space (filled with CSF)
- Arachnoid layer
- Dura mater
Note:
- Epidural anesthesia: Administration of medication (high dose and volume of local anesthetic) into the epidural space (extradural).
- Spinal (intrathecal) anesthesia: Administration of medication (small dose and volume of local anesthetic) into the subarachnoid space.
Local anesthetic blocks the pain impulse at the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) just before the pain impulse enters the spinal cord.
