Neuroanatomy: Spinal Cord Coverings

Questions and Answers

Which of the following layers covers the spinal cord from the outside?

Pia mater

Dura mater (correct)

Grey matter

Arachnoid mater

What is the primary component of white matter in the spinal cord?

Nerve cell bodies

Myelinated axons (correct)

Unmyelinated nerve fibers

Basal nuclei

What type of tracts in the spinal cord carry nerve impulses towards the brain?

Ascending tracts (correct)

Locomotor tracts

Corticospinal tracts

Descending tracts

Which term correctly describes a bundle of nerve fibers with a common origin in the spinal cord?

Tract Signup and view all the answers

Where is grey matter located in the spinal cord?

Inside Signup and view all the answers

Which covering of the spinal cord is located directly adjacent to the spinal cord itself?

Pia mater Signup and view all the answers

What is a misnomer that was corrected in recent textbooks regarding the basal ganglia?

It should be referred to as 'basal nuclei' Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the condition of white matter that gives it a distinct appearance in unstained sections?

Myelinated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of syringomyelia?

Developmental abnormality in central canal formation Signup and view all the answers

Which regions of the body are most commonly affected by syringomyelia?

Cervical region of the spinal cord and brainstem Signup and view all the answers

What pathophysiological changes occur at the site of the syringomyelia lesion?

Cavitation and gliosis in the central region Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about syringomyelia is true?

It is characterized by fluid-filled cavities forming in the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the neuroaxis is syringomyelia primarily localized?

Central region of the neuroaxis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary direction of sensory pathways in the nervous system?

Towards the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which type of paralysis refers to the loss of movement in one limb only?

Monoplegia Signup and view all the answers

In the context of spinal cord injuries, what does the term 'reaction of degeneration' refer to?

Change in muscle response to electrical stimulation over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of complete hemisection of the spinal cord?

Rare occurrence with significant effects Signup and view all the answers

Which type of paralysis involves the loss of movement in the lower limbs?

Paraplegia Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes Brown-Séquard Syndrome?

Fracture dislocation of the vertebral column Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of diplegia?

Paralysis of two corresponding limbs Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the spinal cord when subjected to pressure from vertebral structures?

Central region damage with normal radiographs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main area affected by poliomyelitis in the nervous system?

Anterior gray columns of the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What type of infection is poliomyelitis classified as?

Viral Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant outcome of immunization against poliomyelitis?

Greatly reduced incidence of the disease Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is associated with demyelination of the central nervous system?

Multiple sclerosis Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of multiple sclerosis on the ascending and descending tracts?

Demyelination Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical significance of poliomyelitis before immunization efforts?

Feared disease Signup and view all the answers

Which portion of the nervous system is primarily affected by poliomyelitis?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What component of the cranial nerves is affected by poliomyelitis?

Motor nuclei Signup and view all the answers

At which intervertebral disc level does the adult spinal cord typically terminate?

L1-L2 Signup and view all the answers

Which structure represents the distal end of the spinal cord?

Conus medullaris Signup and view all the answers

Somatic nerve plexuses, such as the brachial plexus, are primarily formed by the merging of which rami?

Ventral rami Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the function of the cauda equina?

It includes spinal nerves that exit the spinal column. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the filum terminale?

To anchor the spinal cord to the coccyx. Signup and view all the answers

The brachial plexus primarily innervates which part of the body?

Upper limb Signup and view all the answers

The conus medullaris typically terminates at which vertebral level in adults?

L1 Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the posterior sensory information in the spinal cord?

Dorsal root Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Coverings and Structure

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater are the three protective layers surrounding the spinal cord.
Grey matter is located internally in the spinal cord, while white matter is external.
"Basal ganglia" is now referred to as "basal nuclei" in contemporary neuroanatomy textbooks.

White Matter and Tracts

White matter consists mainly of myelinated axons, giving it a lighter appearance in unstained sections.
Tracts are bundles of nerve fibers with a shared origin and termination.
Ascending tracts transport nerve impulses from peripheral regions to the brain; for example, the anterior spinothalamic tract.

Motor and Sensory Pathways

Motor pathways lead away from the Central Nervous System (CNS), while sensory pathways move towards the CNS.
Galvanic current causes muscle contractions only during activation; changes in muscle response can indicate neurological conditions.

Paralysis Types

Hemiplegia: paralysis affecting one side of the body, including an upper limb, trunk, and lower limb.
Monoplegia: paralysis of a single limb.
Diplegia: paralysis of two corresponding limbs (either arms or legs).
Paraplegia: paralysis affecting both lower limbs.
Quadriplegia: paralysis of all four limbs.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome: involves hemisection of the spinal cord, can result from fractures or trauma.
Syringomyelia: cavitation occurring in the central canal of the spinal cord, often affecting the brainstem and cervical spinal cord.
Poliomyelitis: viral infection primarily damaging anterior grey columns, significantly reduced due to widespread immunization.
Multiple sclerosis: involves the demyelination of both ascending and descending tracts in the CNS.

Spinal Cord Anatomy and Terminology

The adult spinal cord terminates around the L1-L2 intervertebral disc level.
The distal end of the spinal cord is known as the conus medullaris.
Somatic nerve plexuses, such as the brachial plexus, arise from the merging of ventral rami.

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Description

Explore the coverings and spaces of the spinal cord, focusing on the dura mater and arachnoid mater. This quiz covers essential neuroanatomy concepts related to spinal cord structure. Test your understanding of these critical components.