Spinal Anatomy Quiz

The spinal cord is a long, tubular bundle of nerve tissue that extends from the brain stem down to the lumbar region of the spine.

It plays a vital role in processing reflexes, integrating signals from the brain and body, and conveying sensory information to the brain and motor commands to muscles.

The spinal cord is surrounded by three layers of protective membranes.

The outermost layer, the dura mater, is a tough fibrous membrane.

The arachnoid mater, a delicate web-like middle layer, lies beneath the dura mater.

A region of the spinal cord that is thicker than other regions and responsible for sending and receiving signals related to the legs.

The white matter in the spinal cord is located on the outside, surrounding the gray matter on the inside.

The brain's white matter is found on the inside, while the gray matter forms the outer layer.

A fluid that fills the central canal of the spinal cord, providing cushioning and support.

The spinal cord's internal structure allows organized processing of sensory and motor information.

Bundle of axons connecting each spinal nerve to a segment of the spinal cord.

A swelling on the posterior root containing the cell bodies of sensory neurons.

A procedure involving inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space (SAS) to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis, administer drugs, or measure CSF pressure.

The region of the spinal column where the spinal cord ends and nerve roots extend like a horse's tail.

The space between the 3rd and 4th (or 4th and 5th) lumbar vertebrae is used for most lumbar punctures because the spinal cord ends higher up.

They are part of the peripheral nervous system, connecting the CNS to sensory receptors, muscles, and glands.

31 pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord.

Each spinal nerve has an anterior root carrying motor commands and a posterior root carrying sensory information.

A bundle of nerve fibers within a nerve is called a fascicle.

A protective sheath of connective tissue that surrounds the entire nerve.

They emerge from the spinal cord at regular intervals between vertebrae and connect to specific regions of the body.

The 3 major branches of a spinal nerve are the anterior ramus, posterior ramus, and rami communicantes.

The anterior rami of spinal nerves can join together to form large networks of nerves called plexuses, which are located in front of the spine.

The cervical plexus supplies nerves to the head, neck, upper shoulders and chest, and diaphragm.

The phrenic nerve is responsible for controlling the diaphragm, which is essential for breathing.

The brachial plexus provides nerve supply to the shoulders and upper limbs.

Dermatomes are specific skin areas supplied by a single spinal nerve, meaning a sensory nerve from that area would travel to the brain via that specific spinal nerve.

The cervical plexus is responsible for providing nerve supply to the head, neck, and upper shoulders and chest, and diaphragm.

The brachial plexus is responsible for providing nerve supply to the shoulders and upper limbs.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, which is a nerve in the brachial plexus.