Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the length of the spinal cord in males?
What is the length of the spinal cord in males?
The spinal cord in adults ends at the level of the L3 vertebra.
The spinal cord in adults ends at the level of the L3 vertebra.
False
What structure does the spinal cord taper to at its lower end?
What structure does the spinal cord taper to at its lower end?
Conus medullaris
The spinal cord occupies the upper _____ of the vertebral column.
The spinal cord occupies the upper _____ of the vertebral column.
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Match the following spinal cord features with their characteristics:
Match the following spinal cord features with their characteristics:
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At what level does the spinal cord end at birth?
At what level does the spinal cord end at birth?
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The cauda equina consists of the long lumbar and sacral nerve roots.
The cauda equina consists of the long lumbar and sacral nerve roots.
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What is the area where lumbar puncture can be safely performed?
What is the area where lumbar puncture can be safely performed?
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The gray matter in a horizontal section of the spinal cord has a _____ shape.
The gray matter in a horizontal section of the spinal cord has a _____ shape.
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Which segments correspond to the lumbar enlargement?
Which segments correspond to the lumbar enlargement?
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Study Notes
Spinal Cord
- The spinal cord, a component of the central nervous system, is a continuation of the medulla oblongata.
- The cord starts at the foramen magnum and extends to the level of the L1/L2 vertebral disc in adults.
- Its length is approximately 45 cm for males and 42 cm for females.
- The spinal cord exhibits cylindrical shape with two enlargements: cervical (C5-T1) and lumbar (L1-S3).
- During fetal development, the spinal cord occupies the entire vertebral column.
Spinal Cord Anatomy
- The spinal cord is characterized by an H-shaped gray matter surrounded by white matter in a horizontal cross-section.
- It is marked by six longitudinal grooves:
- Anterior median fissure (deepest)
- Posterior median sulcus
- Two anterolateral sulci (for ventral root exit)
- Two posterolateral sulci (for dorsal root entry)
Cauda Equina
- The cauda equina refers to the long lumbar and sacral nerve roots that descend within the subarachnoid space, resembling a "horse's tail".
- Its presence is due to the spinal cord's shorter length than the vertebral column.
- The roots of the spinal nerves progressively lengthen and become more oblique as they descend.
- Lumbar puncture is safely performed below L2 vertebra, avoiding the risk of spinal cord injury.
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Description
Explore the anatomy and functions of the spinal cord, a key part of the central nervous system. This quiz covers its structure, enlargements, and features such as the cauda equina. Test your knowledge on spinal cord development and its role within the vertebral column.
