10 Questions
At what level does the spinal cord end in an adult?
Level of the disc between L1/2 vertebrae
What is the length of the spinal cord in females?
42 cm
At what level does the spinal cord end at birth?
Level of L3 vertebra
Which part of the spinal cord gives origin to the brachial plexus of the upper limb?
Cervical enlargement (C5-T1)
What occupies the upper 2/3 of the vertebral canal?
Spinal cord
How many pairs of spinal nerves originate from the lumbar segments?
5
What type of fibers does the dorsal root contain?
General somatic afferent (sensory) fibers
Where do the ventral and dorsal roots unite to form the spinal nerve trunk?
At the corresponding intervertebral foramen
What do the primary rami of the spinal nerve supply?
Anterior and posterior aspects of the body
What is the function of the dorsal root ganglion?
Carries sensory fibers
Study Notes
Spinal Cord Characteristics
- The spinal cord typically ends at the level of L1 (first lumbar vertebra) in an adult.
- The length of the spinal cord in females is approximately 42-45 cm.
Fetal Development
- At birth, the spinal cord ends at the level of L3 (third lumbar vertebra).
Brachial Plexus Origin
- The C5-T1 spinal cord segments give origin to the brachial plexus of the upper limb.
Vertebral Canal Composition
- The upper 2/3 of the vertebral canal is occupied by the spinal cord.
Lumbar Segments
- There are 5 pairs of spinal nerves that originate from the lumbar segments.
Dorsal Root Composition
- The dorsal root contains sensory fibers.
Spinal Nerve Formation
- The ventral and dorsal roots unite to form the spinal nerve trunk in the intervertebral foramen.
Primary Rami Function
- The primary rami of the spinal nerve supply the corresponding dermatomes.
Dorsal Root Ganglion Function
- The dorsal root ganglion is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord.
Test your knowledge of the human spinal cord with this quiz. Explore its anatomy, length, and extent, including its connection to the medulla oblongata and conus medullaris.
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