Clinical Anatomy & Pathology L3: Spinal Cord & Nerves

Questions and Answers

What spinal nerve will likely be affected by herniated disc material impinging on neural structures in the lower thoracic region?

L4 (correct)

Where might you expect pain due to impingement on L5 roots or spinal nerve?

Leg and foot (correct)

Shoulder

Upper back

Lower back

Narrowed intervertebral foramen would likely affect which nerve?

L5 (correct)

How often do herniated thoracic discs occur?

1 in 1,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding thoracic herniated discs for this examination?

Unlikely to be tested Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a herniated disc have on the spinal nerve?

It affects the spinal level of the vertebra below it. Signup and view all the answers

At which direction does a herniated disc typically occur?

Posterolaterally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding C1-C7 spinal nerves?

They are affected by herniation of the vertebrae below them. Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal pathology is characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal?

Vertebral stenosis Signup and view all the answers

What role does the annulus fibrosis play in relation to a herniated disc?

It surrounds and contains the nucleus pulposus. Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerve is specifically mentioned as being affected by stenosis in the provided content?

L4 Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a cervical disc herniation affecting the C5-C6 level, which spinal nerve would still be affected?

C6 Signup and view all the answers

Which level demonstrates stenosis that is more lateral according to the information given?

L4 Signup and view all the answers

If the stenosis is affecting the cervical intervertebral foramina, which spinal segment is the primary concern?

C5-C6 Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerve is identified as not being affected by cervical stenosis at the C5-C6 level?

C4 Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerves exit superior to their corresponding vertebrae?

C1 and C2 Signup and view all the answers

How do all spinal nerves other than C8 exit in relation to their vertebrae?

Inferior to their vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes thoracic herniated discs?

They are extremely rare. Signup and view all the answers

At which level does the C8 nerve exit?

Below C7 Signup and view all the answers

In which region does the cauda equina occur?

Lumbar region Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the exit of the C1 spinal nerve?

It exits superior to the C1 vertebra. Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of the spine involves L5 spinal nerve?

Lumbar segment Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between T1 and C8 spinal nerves?

C8 exits above T1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of white matter in the central nervous system?

Myelinated axons and dendrites Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord segment corresponds with the T4 dermatome?

T4 Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by herpes zoster infection affecting the dorsal root ganglion?

Shingles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines a dermatome?

A strip of skin innervated by a single spinal level Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord structures are associated with the lateral horn?

Sympathetic neurons (T1-L2 only) Signup and view all the answers

In spina bifida, which structures may be involved or affected?

Vertebral arch and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary clinical presentation of shingles in the affected dermatome?

Burning pain and rash Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by overlapping dermatomes when assessing a neurological lesion?

Multiple spinal nerve involvement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Disc Herniation

Disc herniation affects the spinal level of the vertebra below the herniation.
Herniated discs typically bulge posterolaterally.
Cervical nerves C1-C7 exit above their corresponding vertebrae; C8 exits below C7.
Lumbar herniated discs most commonly impinge on the L5 spinal nerve, affecting pain distribution.
Thoracic herniated discs are rare, estimated at 1 in 1,000,000 occurrences.

Vertebral Stenosis

Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen may affect the nerve exiting there (e.g., L4 spinal nerve).
Stenosis often has lateral aspects, distinct from disc herniation effects.

White and Gray Matter

White matter consists of myelinated axons and dendrites, facilitating neuronal communication.
Gray matter contains cell bodies and unmyelinated processes, critical for local circuit function.

Dermatomes and Myotomes

Dermatomes refer to skin areas innervated by specific spinal levels.
Myotomes denote muscle groups controlled by certain spinal nerves, indicating spinal levels responsible for movement.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Caused by herpes zoster infection affecting the dorsal root ganglion.
Presents as pain and rash within a specific dermatome, indicating neurologic lesions.

Spina Bifida

A neural tube defect potentially involving structures such as the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
Important for clinical consideration and understanding of congenital defect impacts.

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Description

This quiz explores the clinical anatomy and pathology of the spinal cord and nerves, focusing on key differences between disc herniation and vertebral stenosis. It allows participants to assess their knowledge of the spinal nerves affected by these conditions and gain insights into other relevant pathologies. Perfect for students in a clinical anatomy course!