Techniques used to study the spinal cord and its nerves include a mix of different methods. These methods help scientists learn more about how the spinal cord is built and how the nerve roots work.

1. Histological Techniques:

• Microdissection: This process means carefully pulling apart parts of the spinal cord to look closely at the nerve roots.
• Staining Methods: Scientists use special colors (stains) like Nissl staining to help see the cell bodies in the gray matter of the spinal cord. This makes it easier to understand how the segments are organized. These methods can help identify up to 80% of the nerve cells.

2. Imaging Technologies:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI gives us clear 3D pictures of the spine, so we can see the nerve roots and surrounding areas. In studies, T2-weighted images have shown they can correctly find problems with nerve roots 90% of the time.
• CT (Computed Tomography): CT scans help to look at the bony parts around the nerve roots. They can find issues with the spine about 85% of the time.

3. Electrophysiological Assessments:

• Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests check how well the nerve roots are working. They can find problems in about 60% of people who might have nerve damage.
• Somatosensory Evoked Potentials: This technique looks at the electrical signals from nerves when they respond to touch or other feelings. It helps to see if the nerve roots are working properly.

In summary, to really understand how the spinal cord and nerve roots work, it's important to use a mix of these different techniques. This helps doctors diagnose and treat problems related to the spinal cord better.