Spinal Cord at the Level of T2

Description

Seen in transverse section at the T2 spinal cord segment, the butterfly-shaped substantia grisea forms posterior (dorsal) horns and anterior (ventral) horns surrounding the canalis centralis, while substantia alba occupies the peripheral rim as anterior, lateral, and posterior funiculi. Lateral to the intermediate zone, the intermediolateral cell column (lateral horn) stands out as a distinct projection of grey matter at this upper thoracic level. Anteriorly, the ventral median fissure is deeper than the shallow posterior median sulcus, helping orient dorsal versus ventral surfaces. Fascicles destined for the radix posterior and radix anterior sit at the posterolateral and anterolateral margins respectively, where segmental spinal nerves form. At T2, the intermediolateral cell column matters because it houses preganglionic sympathetic neurons (T1 to L2) whose axons exit via ventral roots and white rami communicantes to the sympathetic trunk, a key pathway for cardiopulmonary and upper limb autonomic outflow. This segmental anatomy underlies clinical patterns: a lesion affecting the lateral horn or adjacent lateral funiculus can disrupt sympathetic tone, while selective involvement of the anterior horns produces lower motor neuron weakness without dorsal column sensory loss. A small shift in level changes the story. The presence of a clear lateral horn helps learners distinguish thoracic cord from cervical and lumbar enlargements, where it is less prominent. Use this illustration for neuroanatomy teaching on spinal cord organization, white matter tract localization, and autonomic nervous system pathways, including exam-oriented comparisons of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar cross-sections. It also suits surgical and pathology figures discussing transverse myelitis, syringomyelia around the central canal, or tract-based deficits in spinal cord compression near the upper thoracic spine. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.