28 Questions
What is the approximate length of the spinal cord?
40-45 cm
Where does the spinal cord terminate?
Between L1 and L2 vertebrae
What does the filum terminale connect?
Conus medullaris to the back of the coccyx
What does the spinal cord continue with superiorly?
Medulla oblongata
What is the weight of the spinal cord?
30 grams
What does the lower part of filum terminale attach to?
Coccyx
What occupies the superior 2/3rds of the vertebral canal?
Spinal cord
Which part of the spinal cord is configured in a characteristic H or butterfly shape?
Grey matter
Where do the dorsal roots enter the spinal cord?
Cervical and upper thoracic segments only
Which part of the spinal cord has a central core of grey matter surrounded by an outer covering of white matter?
Spinal cord
What is the main component of the spinal cord's white matter?
Myelinated fibers
Where do spinal nerves attach to the spinal cord with anterior (motor) roots and posterior (sensory) roots?
Cervical region
What are the sources of blood supply for the spinal cord?
Longitudinal vessels and segmental spinal arteries
Where do rostral regions of the spinal cord have more white matter?
Cervical segments
Which artery is known as the largest anterior segmental medullary artery?
Artery of Adamkiewicz
Which vein runs along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord?
Anterior spinal vein
Where does the Artery of Adamkiewicz arise from?
Iliolumbar artery
What forms an arterial vasocorona around the spinal cord?
Branches of arteries neighboring the spinal cord
Which veins form an anastomotic network along the surface of the spinal cord?
Anterior spinal veins
Which venous plexus consists of anterior and posterior plexuses that freely anastomose with each other?
External vertebral venous plexus
Which vessels end in the intervertebral veins?
Lateral segmental (radicular) veins
What is the function of the dura mater in the spinal cord?
To serve as a durable protective covering for the spinal cord
Which structure extends from the conus medullaris to the coccyx?
Filum terminale
What is the central canal filled with, and what is its function?
Contains cerebrospinal fluid, helps transport nutrients and cushions against impact
Which structure allows the spinal cord to 'float' in the spinal canal?
Denticulate ligaments
Which sulcus runs laterally from the posterior median sulcus on each side of the spinal cord?
Posteriorolateral sulcus
What is the name of the structure located at the transition from the tip of the conus medullaris to the origin of the filum terminale?
Terminal ventricle
What does the epidural space contain, and what is its function?
Loose connective and adipose tissue, serves as a site for anesthetic injections
Study Notes
- The spinal cord consists of several structures, including the conus medullaris, cauda equina, filum terminale, and spinal meninges.
- The conus medullaris is a medullary cone located at the end of the spinal cord, while the cauda equina is a collection of nerve roots that continue beyond the termination of the spinal cord.
- The filum terminale is a long, thin tissue that extends from the conus medullaris to the coccyx and serves to anchor the spinal cord to the end of the dural sac.
- The spinal cord is surrounded and protected by three connective tissue coverings: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
- The dura mater is the thickest and strongest of the three layers, serving as a durable protective covering for the spinal cord. It is continuous with the cranial dura mater at the cranial end and joins the filum terminale at the caudal end.
- The arachnoid mater is a thin, transparent layer that forms a spider-web like structure around the spinal cord. It carries blood vessels and separates the spinal cord from the dura mater.
- The pia mater is the innermost layer of the spinal meninges, which adheres closely to the surface of the spinal cord. It terminates at the inferior limit of the spinal cord and contains the central canal, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and extends throughout the length of the cord.
- The epidural space is a potential space located between the outermost layer of the spinal meninges (dura mater) and the walls of the vertebral canal. It contains loose connective and adipose tissue and serves as a site for anesthetic injections.
- The denticulate ligaments are double folds of pia mater that extend from the lateral aspects of the cord, penetrate the arachnoid, and attach to the inner surface of the dura. They allow the cord to "float" in the spinal canal and alternate with the points of exit of nerve roots.
- The central canal, also known as the ependymal canal, is a continuous structure filled with CSF that extends throughout the length of the spinal cord. It helps transport nutrients to the cord and protects it by cushioning against impact.
- The spinal cord contains several fissures and sulci that divide it into right and left halves. The anterior median fissure is a deep longitudinal fissure, while the posterior median sulcus is a shallow furrow. The spinal cord is joined by a commissural band of tissue that contains the central canal.
- The posteriorolateral sulcus is a sulcus that runs laterally from the posterior median sulcus on each side of the spinal cord.
- The size and shape of the central canal varies along the length of the spinal cord, with it being situated nearer the anterior aspect at the cervical and thoracic segments and in the center at the lumbar segments. In the conus medullaris, it is located in the posterior third and is lined by ciliated, columnar epithelium.
- The central canal, also known as the terminal ventricle or the ampulla caudalis, is a structure located at the transition from the tip of the conus medullaris to the origin of the filum terminale. It is a fusiform, widest part of the central canal that is visible in newborns and up to 5 years of age, but regresses during the first weeks after birth.
- The spinal cord contains several fissures and sulci that divide it into right and left halves. The anterior median fissure is a deep longitudinal fissure, while the posterior median sulcus is a shallow furrow. The spinal cord is joined by a commissural band of tissue which contains the central canal. The posteriorolateral sulcus is a sulcus that runs laterally from the posterior median sulcus on each side of the spinal cord.
Test your knowledge of the gross anatomy of the spinal cord with this quiz. Questions cover the entry points of dorsal roots, the number of spinal nerves, and the numbering of vertebrae.
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