Spinal Cord Tracts Quiz: Learn Blood Supply and Tracts

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Questions and Answers

Which structure connects the pelvis from the lower limb?

PUBIC TUBERCLE (correct)

Lesser trochanter of femur

External iliac vein

Deep fibular nerve

In Brown Sequard Syndrome, what is a typical clinical manifestation?

Bilateral loss of pain and temperature

Ipsilateral loss of pain and temperature (correct)

Contralateral loss of fine touch and proprioception

Bilateral paralysis

Which nerve is responsible for dorsiflexion and can lead to foot drop when affected?

Sartorius nerve

Superficial fibular nerve

Deep peroneal nerve (correct)

Tibial nerve

Which nerve supplies the extensor hallucis longus muscle responsible for great toe motor function?

Deep fibular/peroneal nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which type of paralysis results from a lack of descending cortical control of the vestibulospinal tract?

Hyperextended spastic paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the reticulospinal tract?

To facilitate flexor movements and inhibit extensor movements Signup and view all the answers

Which tract of the spinal cord carries fine touch and conscious proprioception information?

Dorsal Column / Medial Lemniscus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?

To provide excitatory input to antigravity extensor muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a CVA of the internal capsule affecting the corticospinal tract?

Spastic paralysis, hyperflexion of the upper limbs (decorticate posturing) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the tectospinal tract?

To mediate reflex head and neck movement due to visual stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the medial thigh sensory innervation?

Obturator nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve gives sensory innervation to the medial part of the leg?

Saphenous nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is affected in a fracture of the mid-shaft of the humerus leading to wrist drop?

Radial nerve Signup and view all the answers

Passing through ligamentum flavum is a key step in which surgical procedure?

Laminectomy Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament is most commonly torn in an inversion ankle injury?

Anterior talo fibular ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for maintaining equilibrium and balance?

Vestibulospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for transmitting unconscious signals for muscle tone regulation?

Reticulospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for transmitting voluntary motor signals?

Corticospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord provides motor innervation to arm and shoulder muscles?

Brachial plexus Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the medial part of the arm with sensory innervation?

Intercostobrachial nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for sensory information to the rest of the body?

Anterior rami Signup and view all the answers

Which neural tract is responsible for coordinating movements associated with balance and posture?

Vestibulospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord supplies the back muscles and skin?

Posterior rami Signup and view all the answers

Which neural tract is responsible for voluntary motor movements?

Corticospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which neural system is responsible for coordinating subconscious motor movements?

Extrapyramidal system Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the enlargement of the spinal cord in the cervical and lumbar regions?

Cervical and lumbar enlargement Signup and view all the answers

Which tract in the spinal cord is involved in maintaining posture and balance?

Vestibulospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord has smaller lateral horns containing preganglionic sympathetic neurons?

T1 - L2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the tract that originates in the cerebral cortex and carries motor signals to the spinal cord?

Corticospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which structure anchors the spinal cord to the dura and contains pial and arachnoid tissue?

Denticulate ligament Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the corticospinal tract?

Controlling voluntary movements Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is primarily associated with the extrapyramidal system?

Basal ganglia Signup and view all the answers

In terms of spinal cord anatomy, where is the grey matter located?

Inside, surrounding the central canal Signup and view all the answers

Which tract is responsible for regulating involuntary reflexes like posture and muscle tone?

Reticulospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the vestibulospinal tract in the nervous system?

Regulating balance and coordination Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the CNS is responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is responsible for plantar flexion along with Gastrocnemius, Soleus, and Plantaris muscles?

Tibial nerve Signup and view all the answers

In case of an inversion ankle injury, which ligament is most commonly torn?

Anterior talofibular ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is affected in a fracture of the mid-shaft of the humerus leading to wrist drop?

Radial nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is innervated by the Radial nerve and is responsible for thumb extension?

Extensor pollicis brevis Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the extensor compartment of the forearm and leads to a 'wrist drop' presentation in case of injury?

Radial nerve Signup and view all the answers

In the brachial plexus, which nerve is primarily responsible for sensory innervation of the lateral side of the forearm?

Radial nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which structure within the femoral triangle is NOT encircled by the femoral sheath?

Femoral Nerve Signup and view all the answers

In cases of impingement of the S2 nerve root, which part of the leg is most likely to be affected?

Posterior calf Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is responsible for supplying blood to the structures within the cubital fossa?

Brachial artery Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies blood to the posterior compartment of the leg?

Posterior tibial artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical structure that herniates in a disc herniation?

Nucleus pulposus Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome?

Degenerative disc disease Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve roots are most commonly affected in piriformis syndrome?

S1 and S2 Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does the brachial plexus pass through before innervating the upper limb?

Scalene triangle Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for maintaining the stability of the intervertebral discs?

Annulus fibrosus Signup and view all the answers

Which bundle of nerves can be impinged by a herniated disc, causing pain and altered sensation in the lower extremities?

Cauda equina Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brachial plexus provides motor innervation to the flexor muscles of the arm?

Anterior divisions Signup and view all the answers

Which arteries provide the primary arterial supply to the leg?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is primarily responsible for the arterial supply of the leg?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the annulus fibrosus?

To provide support for the nucleus pulposus Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome?

Herniation of the nucleus pulposus Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the brachial plexus?

Spinal nerves from C5-T1 Signup and view all the answers

Which arteries are responsible for the major longitudinal arterial supply of the spinal cord?

Vertebral and intercostal arteries Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of an intervertebral disc?

Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve roots contribute to the formation of the brachial plexus?

Cervical and thoracic Signup and view all the answers

What is the main artery that supplies blood to the leg?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

Which structure of the intervertebral disc is prone to herniation?

Nucleus pulposus Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by the compression of the cauda equina nerves?

Cauda equina syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical origin of the brachial plexus?

Cervical and thoracic nerve roots Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies blood to the posterior compartment of the leg?

Posterior tibial artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the annulus fibrosus in the intervertebral disc?

Holds the nucleus pulposus in place Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of cauda equina syndrome?

Loss of sensation in the saddle area Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve roots are commonly affected in piriformis syndrome?

L5 and S1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus?

Supplies the deltoid muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve roots are commonly affected in cauda equina syndrome?

L3 to L5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary arterial supply to the leg?

Posterior tibial artery Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for maintaining the stability of the intervertebral discs?

Annulus fibrosus Signup and view all the answers

In cauda equina syndrome, which of the following structures are compressed?

Dorsal roots of spinal nerves Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the blood supply to the annulus fibrosus in an intervertebral disc?

Vertebral artery Signup and view all the answers

Impingement of the S2 nerve root can result in which neurological sign?

Foot drop Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is primarily responsible for sensory innervation of the lateral side of the forearm within the brachial plexus?

Ulnar nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brachial plexus is responsible for innervating the muscles of the shoulder and arm?

Lateral cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the annulus fibrosus in the intervertebral disc?

Maintains stability of the disc Signup and view all the answers

In cauda equina syndrome, which symptom is typically observed?

Bowel and bladder dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

Which structure anchors the spinal cord to the dura and contains pial and arachnoid tissue?

Denticulate ligaments Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical symptom of impingement involving the S2 nerve root?

Plantar flexion weakness Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve roots contribute to the formation of the brachial plexus?

C5-T1 Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with a popliteal artery cyst that is pulsatile, deep, and central in the knee. Which artery is most likely involved in this condition?

Popliteal artery Signup and view all the answers

In lumbar canal stenosis, which activity would exacerbate back pain according to the information provided?

Cycling uphill Signup and view all the answers

In cauda equina syndrome, which part of the spinal cord is commonly affected by impingement?

Dorsal root ganglion Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is primarily responsible for sensory innervation of the medial part of the leg based on the information provided?

Saphenous nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which structure within the brachial plexus passes through the cubital tunnel and is associated with elbow-related symptoms?

Ulnar nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is primarily responsible for the arterial supply of the leg?

Popliteal artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc?

It maintains the disc space and absorbs shock Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by the compression of the cauda equina nerves?

Cauda equina syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of impingement of the S1 and S2 nerve roots?

Weakness in foot plantar flexion Signup and view all the answers

Which bundle of nerves can be impinged by a herniated disc, causing pain and altered sensation in the lower extremities?

Sciatic nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which artery provides the primary arterial supply to the leg, but is also commonly affected in patients presenting with cauda equina syndrome?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical structure that herniates in a disc herniation, potentially leading to impingement of the S1 or S2 nerve roots?

Nucleus pulposus Signup and view all the answers

In the context of brachial plexus anatomy, which nerve roots contribute to the formation of the upper trunk?

C4, C5, C6 Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for maintaining equilibrium and balance, and can be affected in patients with cauda equina syndrome?

Vestibulospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

In cases of impingement of the S2 nerve root, which part of the leg is most likely to be affected?

Medial foot Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is primarily responsible for the arterial supply of the leg?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of an intervertebral disc?

Nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brachial plexus provides motor innervation to the flexor muscles of the arm?

Upper trunk Signup and view all the answers

Which structure within the femoral triangle is NOT encircled by the femoral sheath?

Femoral nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which neural tract is responsible for voluntary motor movements?

Corticospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for maintaining equilibrium and balance?

Vestibulospinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the extensor hallucis longus muscle responsible for great toe motor function?

Deep fibular nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the enlargement of the spinal cord in the cervical and lumbar regions?

Cervical enlargement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Anatomy

Conus medullaris: lower end of spinal cord (L1/L2)
Filum terminale: continuation of pia mater, anchored to coccyx
Spinal meninges: dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater (continuous with brain meninges via foramen magnum)
Denticulate ligament: attaches lateral aspects of spinal cord to dura
Subarachnoid space: filled with CSF, no subdural space in spine
Epidural space: contains fat and venous plexus
Central canal: extends length of spinal cord, opens into 4th ventricle

Spinal Cord Functions

Dorsal/ventral aspects of each segment: posterior/anterior roots, subarachnoid foramen, intervertebral foramina, posterior root ganglion, roots fuse to form mixed spinal nerve
Anterior horn motor neurons: larger in cervical and lumbar enlargements
White matter: outside, contains myelinated axons and support cells
Grey matter: inside, contains neurons, cell processes, synapses, and support cells

Neuroanatomy

CNS: 12 pairs of cranial nerves, 31 pairs of spinal nerves
Primary vesicles: 4 weeks
Secondary vesicles: 6-8 weeks
Mature brain: forebrain (telencephalon, diencephalon), midbrain, hindbrain (metencephalon, myelencephalon)
Cells of NS: neurons, glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells)
Cerebral hemispheres: sulci and gyri
Cerebellum: folium (equivalent to sulci in cerebrum)
Brain meninges: dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater
Enteric nervous system: found in digestive system, myenteric plexus, submucosal plexus

Clinical Correlations

Brown-Sequard syndrome: lateral hemisection of spinal cord
Spinal cord injury: compression, red flag symptoms (saddle anaesthesia, diminished anal tone, urinary/faecal incontinence)
Thoracic outlet syndrome: scalene triangle, subclavian artery, roots of brachial plexus
Laminectomy: passes through ligamentum flavum
Fractures of the hand: surgical neck of humerus (axillary nerve), mid-shaft of humerus (radial nerve), supracondylar part of humerus (median nerve)

Brachial Plexus

Provides motor innervation to arm and shoulder muscles (except trapezius)
Sensory innervation to whole arm (except medial part)
Roots: anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1
Trunks: located in the neck (upper, middle, lower)
Divisions: enter axillary fossa (anterior, posterior)
Cords: located in the axilla (lateral, medial, posterior)
Nerves: musculocutaneous, median, ulnar, radial, axillary

Lower Limb

L5 posterior nerve root lesion: more widespread
Knee jerk: L2-L4 (femoral nerve)
Sciatica: L4-S3, gluteal region, posterior compartment of thigh
Ankle: gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris (insert into Achilles' tendon), tibial nerve (S1, S2), calcaneal tendon reflex
Lumbar canal stenosis: extension worsens backache, flexion improves### Arterial Supply of the Spinal Cord
3 major longitudinal arteries (1 anterior, 2 posterior) from vertebral arteries
Segmental arteries from vertebral, intercostal, and lumbar arteries
Radicular arteries that travel along dorsal and ventral roots
Venous drainage via longitudinal and segmental veins

Tracts of the Spinal Cord

Dorsal Column / Medial Lemniscus

Fine touch and conscious proprioception
Fibers cross in the medulla

Spinothalamic Tract

Carries pain, temperature, and deep pressure
Fibers cross when they enter the spinal cord itself

Corticospinal Tract

Fine, precise movements particularly of the distal limb muscles (digits)
Tract forms pyramids on the anterior surface of the medulla (pyramidal tract)
About 85% of the fibers cross in the caudal medulla at the decussation of the pyramids
Crossed fibers form the lateral corticospinal tract while uncrossed fibers form the ventral corticospinal tract (cross segmentally)

Extrapyramidal System

Tectospinal Tract

Input mostly to cervical segments
Mediates reflex head and neck movement due to visual stimuli

Reticulospinal Tract

Fibers originate in the reticular formation of the pons and the medulla
Fibers from the pons facilitate extensor movements and inhibit flexor movements
Fibers from the medulla facilitate flexor movements and inhibit extensor movements
Influence voluntary movement

Vestibulospinal Tract

Excitatory input to antigravity extensor muscles
Antigravity muscles help keep the body upright (soleus, gluteus maximus, extensors of the back)
Fibers originate in the vestibular nuclei of pons and medulla (which receive input from vestibular apparatus and cerebellum)

Cerebral Artery Stroke

Arms affected in middle cerebral artery stroke

Spinal Cord

Gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves
Cervical enlargement (brachial plexus); lumbar enlargement (lumbosacral plexus)
Dorsal/Ventral aspects of each segment → Posterior/Anterior roots → subarachnoid foramen → intervertebral foramina → posterior root enlarged by (dorsal) root ganglion → roots fuse to form mixed spinal N. → Ant & Post Rami

Spinal Meninges

Spinal cord terminates as conus medullaris (L1/L2), pia mater continues as filum terminale, which is anchored to the dorsum of the coccyx
Spinal meninges continue with brain meninges via foramen magnum; denticulate ligament (pial, arachnoid tissue) that attaches lateral aspects of the spinal cord to the dura
Subarachnoid space is filled with CSF
No subdural space in spine
Epidural space has fat and venous plexus

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Description

Test your knowledge on the arterial supply and tracts of the spinal cord, including the major longitudinal arteries, segmental arteries, radicular arteries, and venous drainage. Quiz also covers the Dorsal Column/Medial Lemniscus tract for fine touch and conscious proprioception, and the Spinothalamic tract for pain and temperature sensation.

Spinal Cord Blood Supply and Tracts Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which structure connects the pelvis from the lower limb?

In Brown Sequard Syndrome, what is a typical clinical manifestation?

Which nerve is responsible for dorsiflexion and can lead to foot drop when affected?

Which nerve supplies the extensor hallucis longus muscle responsible for great toe motor function?

Which type of paralysis results from a lack of descending cortical control of the vestibulospinal tract?

What is the function of the reticulospinal tract?

Which tract of the spinal cord carries fine touch and conscious proprioception information?

What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?

What is the result of a CVA of the internal capsule affecting the corticospinal tract?

What is the function of the tectospinal tract?

Which nerve supplies the medial thigh sensory innervation?

Which nerve gives sensory innervation to the medial part of the leg?

Which nerve is affected in a fracture of the mid-shaft of the humerus leading to wrist drop?

Passing through ligamentum flavum is a key step in which surgical procedure?

Which ligament is most commonly torn in an inversion ankle injury?

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for maintaining equilibrium and balance?

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for transmitting unconscious signals for muscle tone regulation?

Which spinal cord tract is responsible for transmitting voluntary motor signals?

Which part of the spinal cord provides motor innervation to arm and shoulder muscles?

Which nerve supplies the medial part of the arm with sensory innervation?

Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for sensory information to the rest of the body?

Which neural tract is responsible for coordinating movements associated with balance and posture?

Which part of the spinal cord supplies the back muscles and skin?

Which neural tract is responsible for voluntary motor movements?

Which neural system is responsible for coordinating subconscious motor movements?

What is the term for the enlargement of the spinal cord in the cervical and lumbar regions?

Which tract in the spinal cord is involved in maintaining posture and balance?

Which part of the spinal cord has smaller lateral horns containing preganglionic sympathetic neurons?

What is the name of the tract that originates in the cerebral cortex and carries motor signals to the spinal cord?

Which structure anchors the spinal cord to the dura and contains pial and arachnoid tissue?

What is the primary function of the corticospinal tract?

Which part of the brain is primarily associated with the extrapyramidal system?

In terms of spinal cord anatomy, where is the grey matter located?

Which tract is responsible for regulating involuntary reflexes like posture and muscle tone?

What is the role of the vestibulospinal tract in the nervous system?

Which part of the CNS is responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier?

Which nerve is responsible for plantar flexion along with Gastrocnemius, Soleus, and Plantaris muscles?

In case of an inversion ankle injury, which ligament is most commonly torn?

Which nerve is affected in a fracture of the mid-shaft of the humerus leading to wrist drop?

Which muscle is innervated by the Radial nerve and is responsible for thumb extension?

Which nerve supplies the extensor compartment of the forearm and leads to a 'wrist drop' presentation in case of injury?

In the brachial plexus, which nerve is primarily responsible for sensory innervation of the lateral side of the forearm?

Which structure within the femoral triangle is NOT encircled by the femoral sheath?

In cases of impingement of the S2 nerve root, which part of the leg is most likely to be affected?

Which artery is responsible for supplying blood to the structures within the cubital fossa?

Which artery supplies blood to the posterior compartment of the leg?

What is the anatomical structure that herniates in a disc herniation?

What is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome?

Which nerve roots are most commonly affected in piriformis syndrome?

Which structure does the brachial plexus pass through before innervating the upper limb?

Which structure is responsible for maintaining the stability of the intervertebral discs?

Which bundle of nerves can be impinged by a herniated disc, causing pain and altered sensation in the lower extremities?

Which part of the brachial plexus provides motor innervation to the flexor muscles of the arm?

Which arteries provide the primary arterial supply to the leg?

Which artery is primarily responsible for the arterial supply of the leg?

What is the primary function of the annulus fibrosus?

What is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome?

What is the main component of the brachial plexus?

Which arteries are responsible for the major longitudinal arterial supply of the spinal cord?

What are the two main components of an intervertebral disc?

Which nerve roots contribute to the formation of the brachial plexus?

What is the main artery that supplies blood to the leg?

Which structure of the intervertebral disc is prone to herniation?

What condition is caused by the compression of the cauda equina nerves?

What is the anatomical origin of the brachial plexus?

Which artery supplies blood to the posterior compartment of the leg?

What is the function of the annulus fibrosus in the intervertebral disc?

What is the primary symptom of cauda equina syndrome?

Which nerve roots are commonly affected in piriformis syndrome?

What is the function of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus?

Which nerve roots are commonly affected in cauda equina syndrome?

What is the primary arterial supply to the leg?

Which structure is responsible for maintaining the stability of the intervertebral discs?

In cauda equina syndrome, which of the following structures are compressed?

Which structure is responsible for the blood supply to the annulus fibrosus in an intervertebral disc?

Impingement of the S2 nerve root can result in which neurological sign?

Which nerve is primarily responsible for sensory innervation of the lateral side of the forearm within the brachial plexus?