Note on the T2 image that CSF is bright and on the T1 image that CSF is dark.  On the T2 image on the left, the arrow points to the terminal extension of the spinal cord (i.e., conus medullaris), which lies adjacent to the L1 vertebral body.  On both mid-sagittal scans, the vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks are clearly seen.  On the parasagittal T1 scan on the right, the arrow points to an exiting nerve root in the intervertebral foramen surrounded by epidural fat.

Revised 05/22/05.
The Electronic Curriculum is copyrighted 1998,  Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.