Spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, cylindrical anatomical structure that is located within the vertebral cavity. It runs from the foramen magnum of the skull to the conus medullaris at the lumbar spine. Most symptoms from spinal tumors occur due to compression of the spinal cord as it plays a primary role in motor and sensory function. The spinal cord is surrounded by three layers known as the spinal meninges. These are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. Spinal cord tumors are classified based on their location within the spinal cord: intradural (intradmedullary and extramedullary) and extradural tumors.