Anterior median fissure of spinal cord

The anterior median fissure of spinal cord is a prominent longitudinal groove present on the anterior (ventral) surface of the cord. It runs along the midline, extending from the cervical to the sacral region, and plays an important role in separating the spinal cord into two symmetrical halves. You could think of the anterior median fissure like a "zipper" that divides the spinal cord's two halves along its ventral side.

The anterior median fissure is deeper than its counterpart on the posterior surface of spinal cord, the posterior median sulcus.

Contents:

• The fissure contains a small double-fold of pia mater, the innermost meningeal layer that tightly surrounds the spinal cord.

• At its base lies the anterior spinal artery, the main blood supply for the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord.

Clinical relevance; Anterior cord syndrome:

• Damage to the anterior spinal artery, within the anterior median fissure of spinal cord, could lead to anterior spinal cord syndrome, a condition characterized by loss of motor function bilaterally, as well as loss of pain and temperature sensation on both sides, below the lesion.

• Proprioception, vibratory sense, two-point discrimination, and fine touch are not affected in anterior cord syndrome and are carried by the dorsal column of the spinal cord, which is perfused by two posterior spinal arteries running in the posterior lateral sulci.