Spine

Pieces of spine are seen in neuropathology.

Common specimens

• Synovial cyst.
• Lumbar wound infection.

Synovial cyst

General

• May cause back pain.

Microscopic

Features:

• Simple epithelium.

Notes:

• If epithelium missing -- then ganglion cyst.

Vertebral disc

General

• Herniated disc cause back pain.
• May result in cauda equina syndrome.
• Composed of fibrous cartilage.

Microscopic

Features:

• Benign fibrous tissue.
• Nests of chondrocytes (as in immature cartilage).

Images:

• Degenerative disc disease - intermed. mag. (WC).
• Degenerative disc disease - high mag. (WC).

See also

• Soft tissue.
• Bone.
• Ditzels.