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The central canal (also known as spinal foramen or ependymal canal) is the cerebrospinal fluid-filled space that runs through the spinal cord. The central canal lies below and is connected to the ventricular system of the brain, from which it receives cerebrospinal fluid, and shares the same lining. The central canal helps to transport nutrients to the spinal cord as well as protect it by cushioning the impact of a force when the spine is affected.
The central canal represents the adult remainder of the central cavity of the neural tube. It generally occludes (closes off) with age.
The central canal is located in the third of the spinal cord in the cervical and thoracic spine regions. In the lumbar spine it enlarges and is located more centrally. At the conus medullaris, where the spinal cord tapers, it is located more .
Sometimes, the terminal ventricle is observed by MRI or ultrasound in children less than 5 years old.
The canal is lined by , column-shaped cells, outside of which is a band of gelatinous substance, called the substantia gelatinosa of Rolando also substantia gelatinosa centralis or central gelatinous substance of spinal cord. This gelatinous substance consists mainly of neuroglia, but contains a few nerve cells and fibers; it is traversed by processes from the deep ends of the columnar ciliated cells which line the central canal.
Other relevant conditions include:
In some cases, the terminal ventricle may cause clinical symptoms due to its expansion.
Tomsick T, Peak E, Wang L: Fluid-Signal Structures in the Cervical Spinal Cord on MRI: Anterior Median Fissure vs. Central Canal. AJNR 2017; 38:840–45
Tomsick T, Wang L, Zuccarello M, Ringer AJ. Fluid-signal structures in the cervical spinal cord on MRI in Chiari patients: Central canal or anterior median fissure? AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2021 Apr;42(4):801-806. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A7046. Epub 2021 Mar 11.PMID: 33707286
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