Spinal cord
Compact bundle of nerves running down through the hollow centre of the spine from the brain to the lumbar region(small of the back). At each vertebra ("backbone") smaller bundles of nerves branch off, sending nerve impulses to (and receiving from) specific parts of the body. If these smaller nerve bundles get pinched between the vertebrae or due to a slipped disk or tumour, this can result in severe pain at the receiving end. Typically sciatic pain in the legs, is caused by compressed nerves in the lumbar region.
GE Healthcare Glossary