Anatomy Quiz: Spinal Cord Cross Section

White Matter

• Composed of myelinated axons that facilitate communication between different parts of the central nervous system.
• Contains ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) pathways.

Gray Matter

• Made up of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.
• Organized into horns: anterior, posterior, and lateral, involved in reflexes and processing information.

Posterior Horns

• Located in the dorsal region of the gray matter.
• Involved in processing sensory information from the body.

Lateral Funiculus

• Positioned on the sides of the spinal cord, containing both ascending sensory and descending motor pathways.
• Plays an important role in coordinating movement and sensation.

Dorsal Root of Spinal Nerve

• Carries sensory information from the peripheral body to the spinal cord.
• Composed of afferent fibers.

Dorsal Root Ganglion

• Cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies located just outside the spinal cord.
• Contains sensory neurons that transmit information from the periphery to the central nervous system.

Ventral Root of Spinal Nerve

• Contains axons of motor neurons that project from the spinal cord to muscles and glands.
• Responsible for the outgoing (efferent) motor signals.

Anterior Horn

• Contains motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles.
• Important for voluntary movement control.

Anterior Median Fissure

• A deep groove that divides the spinal cord into right and left symmetrical halves.
• Provides structural separation of spinal cord halves.

Portion of Spinal Nerve

• Comprises both the dorsal and ventral roots.
• Functions as a communication pathway between the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

Anterior Funiculus

• Located in the anterior part of the white matter.
• Contains pathways that are involved in motor control and coordination of movements.

Central Canal

• A small, CSF-filled channel located in the center of the spinal cord.
• Plays a role in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

Gray Commissure

• A thin strip of gray matter connecting the left and right sides of the spinal cord.
• Contains the central canal and facilitates communication between both halves.

Posterior Median Sulcus

• A shallow groove located on the posterior part of the spinal cord.
• Aids in dividing the posterior aspect of the spinal cord into symmetrical halves.

Posterior Funiculus

• Located at the back of the spinal cord, carrying sensory information up to the brain.
• Contains pathways responsible for touch, pressure, and proprioception.

Test your knowledge on the cross section of the spinal cord with this quiz. Identify and label key components such as white matter, gray matter, and nerve roots. Each card provides terms essential for understanding spinal cord anatomy.