Neuroanatomy: Spinal Cord Structure Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What type of neurons are found in the posterior (dorsal) root ganglion?

  • Efferent neurons
  • Motor neurons
  • Interneurons
  • Sensory neurons (correct)

    • The anterior (ventral) root contains sensory axons that conduct impulses to the CNS.

    False

    What fills the small central canal located in the middle of the spinal cord?

    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

    The ________ gray horns contain somatic motor neurons responsible for muscle contraction.

    <p>anterior (ventral)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the parts of the spinal cord with their function:

    <p>Posterior (dorsal) gray horns = Contain sensory neurons Anterior (ventral) gray horns = Contain somatic motor neurons Lateral gray horn = Regulate autonomic functions White matter = Contains myelinated axons organized into columns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the sensory receptor in the reflex arc?

    <p>To respond to a stimulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A spinal reflex involves the brain in its processing.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one example of a deep tendon reflex.

    <p>Knee jerk reflex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The component of the reflex arc that connects sensory input to motor output is the ______.

    <p>integrating center</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of reflexes with their descriptions:

    <p>Deep tendon reflexes = Elicited on stroking the tendon Visceral reflexes = Involves autonomic nerves Spinal reflexes = Does not involve the brain Pathological reflexes = Indicates a pathological condition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which somatic motor pathway contains motor fibers that pass through the internal capsule?

    <p>Pyramidal tracts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of pathological reflexes?

    <p>They indicate an abnormal condition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Babinski reflex is a normal reflex seen in adults.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Reflex actions are voluntary responses to sensory stimuli.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final common pathway for the transmission of nerve impulses to skeletal muscles?

    <p>Lower motor neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which motor neuron pathway is involved in transmitting signals from the anterior horn to the spinal nerve?

    <p>Ventral root</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______ tracts are connected with multiple parts of the brain, including the basal ganglia and cerebellum.

    <p>extrapyramidal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the reflex arc with their descriptions:

    <p>Stimulus = Initiates the reflex action Sensory neuron = Transmits impulse to the spinal cord Integration center = Processes the sensory input Motor neuron = Delivers impulse to the muscle Effector = Executes the motor response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At which location do the pyramidal tracts decussate?

    <p>Medulla oblongata</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The upper motor neuron cell body is located in the spinal cord.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of an upper motor neuron in the motor pathways?

    <p>Transmits impulses from the brain to the lower motor neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the spinal cord?

    <p>Acts as a cushion to protect nerve tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The spinal cord extends from the base of the skull to the third lumbar vertebra.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of neurons transmit nerve impulses towards the brain?

    <p>Sensory neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two enlargements of the spinal cord called?

    <p>Cervical enlargement and lumbar enlargement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Motor neuron stimulation results in the contraction of involuntary muscle only.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The spinal cord is surrounded by the ___ and cerebrospinal fluid.

    <p>meninges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the pathway that carries sensory information for pain, tickle, itch, hot, and cold sensations?

    <p>Spinothalamic pathways</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following layers of the spinal meninges with their descriptions:

    <p>Dura mater = Tough, dense connective tissue Arachnoid mater = Resembles spider’s web Pia mater = Thin, delicate layer adhering to spinal cord Epidural space = Space between vertebrae and dura mater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the spinal cord is associated with the cauda equina?

    <p>Lumbar region</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ pathway senses fine touch, proprioception, and vibrations.

    <p>posterior column - medial lemniscus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of pathway with its primary function:

    <p>Corticospinal = Carries motor impulses from the brain Spinothalamic = Carries sensory information about pain and temperature Posterior column - medial lemniscus = Senses fine touch and proprioception Reflex arcs = Enables fast, involuntary responses to stimuli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The white matter of the spinal cord surrounds the H-shaped mass of gray matter.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the function of upper motor neurons?

    <p>They transmit signals via corticospinal tracts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if the spinal cord is damaged?

    <p>Paralysis can occur</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Spinal nerves allow ___ and sensation.

    <p>movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Decussation of nerve impulses typically occurs only at the level of entry into the spinal cord.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long is the spinal cord in adults?

    <p>Approximately 42-45 cm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main sources of sensation in somatic sensory pathways?

    <p>Skin and proprioceptors (tendons, muscles, joints)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The processes involving fast, involuntary sequences of actions in response to stimuli are called _____ .

    <p>reflexes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area of the brain is involved in coordinating muscle activity?

    <p>Cerebellum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Spinal Cord Anatomy & Physiology

    • The spinal cord is a long, almost cylindrical part of the central nervous system (CNS).
    • It's located within the vertebral canal.
    • It extends from the foramen magnum at the base of the skull to the second lumbar vertebra.
    • The spinal cord is surrounded by meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
    • Spinal nerves allow movement and sensation; damage can cause paralysis.

    Spinal Cord Protection and Coverings

    • Vertebrae: Provide structural support and protection.
    • Spinal meninges: Three layers of connective tissue encasing the spinal cord:
      • Dura mater: tough, dense connective tissue, extends to vertebra S2.
      • Arachnoid mater: resembles a spider's web, extends into the subarachnoid space.
      • Pia mater: thin, delicate layer adhering to the spinal cord (and brain), contains blood vessels.
    • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Acts as a cushion to protect nerve tissues. CSF circulates in the subarachnoid space.

    Spinal Cord Gross Anatomy

    • The spinal cord is approximately 42-45 cm long and about the thickness of a little finger in adults.
    • The spinal cord is shorter than the vertebral column.
    • The nerves arising from the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions of the spinal cord do not leave the column at the same level; this is called the cauda equina.
    • Cauda equina extends inferior to the end of the spinal cord. It consists of roots of lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal spinal nerves.

    Spinal Cord Internal Structure

    • Gray matter: Forms a "butterfly" shape with three horns on each side. -Posterior (dorsal) gray horns: contain sensory neurons. -Anterior (ventral) gray horns: contain somatic motor neurons. -Lateral gray horns: contain autonomic motor neurons (for cardiac, smooth muscle, and glands control).
    • White matter: Surrounds the gray matter, organized into white columns (posterior, anterior, and lateral). -Sensory (ascending) tracts: carry impulses towards the brain. -Motor (descending) tracts: carry impulses from the brain.

    Spinal Cord Nerve Tracts

    • Sensory tracts: carry impulses toward the brain.
    • Motor tracts: carry impulses from the brain.
    • Sensory and motor tracts are continuous with sensory and motor tracts in the brain.

    Reflexes Activity

    • Reflexes are fast, involuntary response to stimuli, and are a basic defense mechanism of the nervous system.
    • Most reflexes occur in the spinal cord (not the brain) which happens quickly.
    • A reflex arc is the complete pathway by which a reflex action travels from the stimulus to the reflex muscle movement.
    • Five components of a reflex arc:
      • Sensory receptor
      • Sensory neuron
      • Integrating center
      • Motor neuron
      • Effector
    • Types of reflexes:
      • Deep tendon reflexes: elicited on stroking the tendon (e.g., knee-jerk).
      • Visceral reflexes: at least one part of the reflex arc is the autonomic nerve (e.g., pupillary light reflex).
      • Pathological reflexes: not present in normal conditions; presence indicates a pathological condition within the body.

    Spinal Cord Clinical Significance

    • Assessing simple muscle reflexes (e.g., patellar reflex) helps evaluate potential damage to motor nerves or spinal cord.

    Spinal Cord Summary

    • The spinal cord is a vital conduit for communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
    • It has complex internal structures (gray and white matter).
    • It carries signals through various tracts.
    • It controls reflexes and is the site of spinal reflexes.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the structures and functions of the spinal cord in this Neuroanatomy quiz. Questions cover the types of neurons in the dorsal root ganglion, the role of sensory axons, and the organization of gray horns. Perfect for students studying neuroscience or anatomy.

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