Spinal Cord Anatomy

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the anterior ramus of a spinal nerve?

It connects afferent and efferent fibers.

It supplies the skin and muscles of the back.

It innervates glands and smooth muscle.

It supplies most of the body wall, skin, and limbs. (correct)

Which statement accurately describes the naming convention for cervical spinal nerves?

They are named based on the inferior vertebrae. (correct)

They are named based on the thoracic vertebrae.

They are sequentially numbered from top to bottom.

They correspond to the vertebrae superior to them.

What is the significance of the gray ramus communicans in spinal nerves?

It innervates smooth muscle only.

It connects to the spinal cord directly.

It is involved in autonomic functions. (correct)

It supplies the skin of the limbs.

At what vertebral level does the adult spinal cord typically terminate?

L1–L2 Signup and view all the answers

What formation does the union of posterior and anterior roots create?

Mixed spinal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical level at which the adult spinal cord typically ends?

L1–L2 Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is known to contain the nerve roots extending below the conus medullaris?

Cauda equina Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the filum terminale in the spinal cord?

Anchoring the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord contains the majority of the motor neurons?

Ventral horn Signup and view all the answers

What type of matter primarily comprises the outer region of the spinal cord?

White matter Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerve roots are associated with the sacral region?

S1–S5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the gray matter in the spinal cord?

Processing and relaying signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the cauda equina?

Nerve roots only Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the central canal in the spinal cord?

Acting as a passage for cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the spinal cord contains the cervical enlargement?

Cervical region Signup and view all the answers

Where is the conus medullaris located in the spinal cord?

At the end of the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the collection of nerve roots below the conus medullaris?

Cauda equina Signup and view all the answers

Gray matter is primarily involved in what type of processing in the spinal cord?

Integration of sensory and motor information Signup and view all the answers

In terms of white matter organization, what is primarily contained within the dorsal columns?

Sensory pathways Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerve roots are included in the lumbar enlargement?

L1 to L5 Signup and view all the answers

What does the anterior median fissure primarily separate?

Right and left halves of the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key roles of the filum terminale?

Anchoring the spinal cord within the vertebral canal Signup and view all the answers

Which structure contains the dorsal root ganglion?

Gray matter Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the cervical and lumbar enlargements in the spinal cord?

There are more nerve fibers due to limb innervation Signup and view all the answers

What is typically associated with the structure of white matter in the spinal cord?

Myelinated axons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the dorsal root in spinal nerves?

Transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Anatomy

The adult spinal cord extends from the brain to vertebrae L1-L2.
The spinal cord has cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral segments.
Cauda equina refers to the bundle of nerve roots extending below the conus medullaris.
Filum terminale is a thin thread of fibrous tissue that extends from the conus medullaris and attaches to the coccygeal ligament.
Cervical enlargement accommodates nerves for shoulders and upper limbs.
Lumbar enlargement accommodates nerves for pelvis and lower limbs.
Conus medullaris is the inferior tip of the spinal cord.
Gray matter contains cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.
White matter contains myelinated axons.
Central canal is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which acts as a shock absorber and facilitates the exchange of material.

Spinal Nerves

Spinal nerves are formed by the union of posterior and anterior roots.
Each spinal nerve has a white ramus communicans and a gray ramus communicans, which innervate glands and smooth muscle.
Each spinal nerve quickly divides into rami:
- Posterior ramus supplies the skin and muscles of the back.
- Anterior ramus supplies most of the body wall, skin, and limbs.
Spinal nerves are named based on the vertebrae they are associated with:
- Cervical nerves: named based on the inferior cervical vertebrae.
- Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral nerves: named based on the superior vertebrae.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the spinal cord, including its segments and features. This quiz covers essential terms like cauda equina, filum terminale, and the functions of gray and white matter. Perfect for students studying human anatomy.