Spinal Cord and Meninges Quiz

The spinal cord processes reflexes, integrates excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs), and conducts sensory impulses to the brain and motor impulses to effectors.

The spinal cord is protected by bone (vertebrae), connective tissue (meninges), and fluid (cerebrospinal fluid).

The meninges are three layers of protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord: Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, and Pia mater.

The spinal cord begins at the foramen magnum and terminates at the level of L2.

The filum terminale is an extension of the pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.

The cauda equina are the roots of the lower spinal nerves that angle down alongside the filum terminale.

The spinal cord has two enlargements: the cervical enlargement (C4-T1) and the lumbar enlargement (T9-T12).

The cervical enlargement corresponds to the sensory input and motor output to the upper extremities.

A procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space, primarily used to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnosis or to reduce pressure, or to introduce medications or contrast agents.

The space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The site most commonly used for lumbar punctures is located between the third and fourth (or fourth and fifth) lumbar vertebrae, where the spinal cord ends and the cauda equina begins.

A bundle of nerve fibers surrounded by a connective tissue sheath called the perineurium.

A connective tissue covering that surrounds an entire nerve.

The 31 pairs of spinal nerves, which connect the central nervous system (CNS) to sensory receptors, muscles, and glands.

Each spinal nerve is attached to a segment of the spinal cord via two roots: the anterior (ventral) root, which carries motor information, and the posterior (dorsal) root, which carries sensory information.

The anterior rami of the segmental nerves may travel alone (such as the intercostal nerves which run underneath each of the 12 ribs), or they can join together to form large "braided ropes" – a plexus of nerves.

Large groups of nerves that are formed from anterior rami of spinal nerves, all located anterior to the spine. Examples include the cervical plexus, brachial plexus, celiac (solar) plexus, lumbar plexus, sacral plexus, and coccygeal plexus.

Branches of a spinal nerve, arising shortly after passing through its intervertebral foramen.

Specific segments of the skin supplied by spinal nerves that carry somatic sensory nerve impulses to the brain.

The phrenic nerve, originating from C3-C5, supplies the diaphragm.

Supplies the skin and muscles of the head, neck, superior portion of the shoulders and chest, and diaphragm.

Provides almost the entire nerve supply to the shoulders and upper limbs. Lesion of the median nerve results in carpal tunnel syndrome.

The anterior rami of spinal nerves are responsible for forming nerve plexuses.

The largest nerve arising from the lumbar plexus, it innervates the flexor muscles of the hip and the extensor muscles of the knee, as well as the skin on the anterior and medial thigh and medial side of the leg and foot.

The Obturator nerve innervates the adductor muscles of the hip and the skin on the medial aspect of the thigh.

The Sciatic nerve is actually two nerves (tibial and common fibular) bound together. It travels down the thigh and splits at the knee, innervating the hamstring muscles and adductor magnus on the way.

The spinal cord functions as a pathway to carry information between the brain and the body, as well as processing reflexes and integrating information.

White matter tracts in the spinal cord carry nerve impulses to and from the brain, conveying information.

Gray matter in the spinal cord receives and integrates information to perform spinal reflexes.

Sensory information is carried up the spinal cord to the brain via sensory tracts.

Motor commands from the brain travel down the spinal cord via motor tracts to stimulate muscle movement.

Paralysis involving all four limbs, caused by damage to the spinal cord in the upper cervical area.

Paralysis of both legs and the lower part of the body, caused by damage to the spinal cord below the cervical enlargement.

Damage or severance of the spinal cord, interrupting communication between the brain and body.

Compression of the spinal cord by bone, blood, pus, tumors, or a herniated disk.

A progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. Famous example: Stephen Hawking.

An acute infection of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) caused by the herpes zoster virus. It causes pain, skin discoloration and blisters.

A progressive disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the myelin sheath of oligodendrocytes. It causes a wide range of symptoms due to disrupted nerve communication.

A chronic disease affecting the central nervous system that causes muscle weakness, stiffness, and difficulty swallowing.

A network of nerves that arise from the ventral rami of spinal nerves C5-T1, responsible for innervating the shoulder, arm, and hand.

A common brachial plexus injury affecting infants during childbirth, characterized by weakness in the shoulder and arm.

The nerve responsible for supplying the serratus anterior muscle, which helps to protract the scapula (move it forward).

Injury to the long thoracic nerve, resulting in weakness of the serratus anterior muscle, causing the scapula to protrude out from the back.

The largest unprotected nerve in the human body, supplying the medial half of the hand, and running along the medial epicondyle of the humerus, causing tingling sensations when struck.

A condition affecting the median nerve, typically caused by repetitive hand and wrist motions, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand.

A network of nerves emanating from the lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L4), supplying the anterior and medial thigh.

A nerve that travels through the lumbar plexus and supplies the anterior thigh muscles.