cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which it receives from the ventricular system of the brain. 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. Clinical significance Syringomyelia is a disease caused by the blockage of the central canal. Blockage of the central canal usually occurs at the lower cervical and upper thoracic levels. This typically damages white matter fibers that cross in anterior white commissure, leading to the loss of temperature, pain, and motor function at the affected levels on side opposite to the damage. Other relevant conditions include: Spina bifida Arnold-Chiari syndrome Spinal tumor Myelomeningocele Syringomyelia Hydromyelia. In hydromyelia, a dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord is caused by an increase of cerebrospinal fluid. Syringohydromyelia (i.e., both Syringomyelia and Hydromyelia) Tethered cord In some cases, the terminal ventricle may cause clinical symptoms due to its expansion. References Spinal cord Ventricular system 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