The filum terminale of the frog spinal cord

Summary The filum terminale, or terminal portion of the spinal cord, was studied in normal adult frogs (Rana pipiens) by means of light and electron microscopy. Astroglial cells are the predominant elements in this region. The rostral portion of the filum terminale consists mainly of (1) a peripheral dense ring of myelinated and some unmyelinated nerve fibers, and processes of astrocytes terminating at the subpial space; (2) an intermediate zone, in which astrocytes are the main cellular elements in addition to a few degenerated neurons; and (3) a central region where the central canal is lined by dark and light ependymal cells. In the caudal portion of the filum terminale, the amount of neuropil is greatly reduced. This region is formed mainly by astrocytic glial cells and very few neuronal elements. The central canal in the caudal portion is located ventrally and contains a lining consisting almost exclusively of dark ependymal cells.