Central Nervous System Part 2

The central nervous system structure that extends from the medulla oblongata to the L1-L2 level of the vertebral column.

The three protective membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

The space between the dura mater and the vertebral canal.

The fluid that circulates through the brain and spinal cord, providing cushion and nourishment.

The cone-shaped lower end of the spinal cord, located at approximately the L1-L2 vertebral level.

The space surrounding the spinal cord within the vertebral canal, containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The collection of nerve roots extending from the conus medullaris (L1-L2 level) downward to the sacrum. Bundles of nerves resembling a horse's tail.

A procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space, typically between L3-L4 or L4-L5, to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis.

The central butterfly-shaped area in the spinal cord, composed predominantly of nerve cell bodies (neuronal soma) and dendrites. It is surrounded by a layer of white matter.

The region of the spinal grey matter responsible for processing sensory information from the body. This area receives input from sensory neurons through the dorsal root.

The area of gray matter containing the cell bodies of motor neurons which control voluntary movements. Its axons exit through the ventral root to innervate muscles.

The outer region of the spinal cord, composed predominantly of myelinated nerve fibers (axons). It is responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the nervous system.

A bundle of myelinated nerve fibers that travel up the spinal cord, carrying sensory information from the body to the brain.

A bundle of myelinated nerve fibers that travel down the spinal cord, carrying motor commands from the brain to the body.

Carries impulses for fine touch, pressure, vibration, and precise localization. Information travels through the medulla, pons, and midbrain before reaching the thalamus.

Carries impulses for crude touch and pressure sensations, not involving precise discrimination.

The concept that every motor neuron from the spinal cord controls a specific motor unit in a muscle.

The set of pathways that originate in the motor cortex and control voluntary movements, mainly of the feet and hands.

More complex motor pathways involved in integrating and coordinating voluntary movements. They include both facilitatory and inhibitory tracts.

These tracts send signals that stimulate muscle contraction, leading to specific movements.

These tracts send signals that inhibit muscle contraction preventing unwanted or excess movement.

Part of the pyramidal tracts; fibers cross to the opposite side of the body in the medulla.

The point where the pyramidal tracts synapse with interneurons in the spinal cord, before reaching the anterior horn.

The principle that multiple impulses from different pathways can be summed up at the anterior horn, influencing the final motor output.