Spinal Cord Function and Anatomy
11 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the key structural features of the external aspect of the spinal cord?

Located in the back and neck regions, elongated cylindrical shape, located in the vertebral canal, approximately 45 cm long.

What is the internal organization of the spinal cord?

Common arrangement of grey and white matter.

Which of the following are white matter tracts found in the spinal cord? (Select all that apply)

  • Corticospinal Tract (correct)
  • Posterior Columns (correct)
  • Grey Matter
  • Lateral Corticospinal Tract (correct)
  • Spinothalamic Tract (correct)
  • What functions does the spinal cord serve?

    <p>Carries signals between the brain and the body, acts as a reflex center for basic reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the spinal cord extend from and end in adults?

    <p>Extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) and ends at L2 in adults.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two enlargements of the spinal cord?

    <p>Cervical Enlargement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three layers of the spinal meninges?

    <p>Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The cauda equina is a bundle of nerve roots located at the termination of the spinal cord.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of grey and white matter in the spinal cord?

    <p>Grey matter is centrally located and shaped like an 'H,' while white matter surrounds it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the types of tracts based on their direction in the spinal cord?

    <p>Descending Tracts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following spinal cord functions with their descriptions:

    <p>Carries signals = Pathway for messages between brain and body Acts as reflex center = Basic reactions Transmits sensory messages = From receptors to CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Spinal Cord: Function and Location

    • The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the body
    • The pathway for messages sent by the brain to the body and from the body to the brain.
    • It is responsible for motor, sensory and autonomic information.
    • Acts as a reflex centre for basic reactions
    • Located in the back and neck regions
    • Elongated cylindrical shape
    • Located in the Vertebral canal
    • Approximately 45 cm long
    • Extends from the Brainstem (medulla oblongata)
    • Ends at L2 in adults (L3 at birth)

    Spinal Cord: Anatomical Features

    • Enlargements: These are a result of the increased volume of motor cells in the ventral horns of the grey matter.
      • Cervical
      • Lumbosacral
    • Conus medullaris: The tapered end of the spinal cord which ends at L2.
    • Cauda equina: Lower nerve roots progressively elongated, forming a bundle within the dural sac (reaching S2). Implications:
      • Lumbar puncture: To diagnose serious infection, Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
      • Epidural anesthesia: Pain relief
      • Spinal Anaesthetic: Injection of numbing medicine directly into the fluid sac
    • Filum terminale: A fibrous extension of the pia mater that attaches the conus medullaris to the coccyx.

    Spinal Nerves

    • 31 pairs of spinal nerves, each composed of:
      • Anterior (ventral) & Posterior (dorsal) Rootlets
      • Anterior (ventral) & Posterior (dorsal) Roots
        • (motor)
        • (sensory)
    • Mixed Spinal Nerve: These form in the Intervertebral foramen.
      • Ventral (anterior) primary rami
      • Dorsal (posterior) primary rami

    Internal Organisation of the Spinal Cord

    • Composed of:
      • Grey Matter: Centrally located, forming an 'H' shape.
        • Grey Commisures: Connect the two halves of the grey matter.
        • Extensions:
          • Ventral Horns (2): Contain motor neurons.
          • Dorsal Horns (2): Contain sensory neurons.
      • White Matter: Located outside of the grey matter.
      • Central canal: Located in the centre of the grey matter.

    Fissures and Sulci

    • Anterior Median Fissure: A deep groove on the ventral surface of the spinal cord.
    • Posterior Median Sulcus: A shallow groove on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord.
    • Posterolateral Sulcus: A groove on the dorsal lateral surface of the spinal cord.

    Grey Matter

    • Subdivided into laminae (‘Rexed’s laminae’):
      • I – X (dorsal – ventral)
      • IX (most important): Cell bodies of motor neurons to skeletal muscle.

    White Matter

    • Highly organised:
      • Ascending and descending nerve fibres: Run between the spinal cord and the brain.
      • Columns (funiculi):
        • Anterior (ventral)
        • Lateral
        • Posterior (dorsal)
      • Tracts (fasciculi):
      • Partial spinal cord lesions: Can cause regional loss of function depending on the affected area.

    Ascending and Descending Tracts

    • Ascending tracts: Sensory pathways that begin at the spinal cord and stretch up to the cerebral cortex.
    • Descending tracts: Pathways by which motor signals are sent from the brain to lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.

    Spinal Cord Arterial Supply and Venous Drainage

    • Arterial supply:
      • Major vessels include the Anterior Spinal Artery and Posterior Spinal Arteries
      • Supplied by arteries arising from the vertebral, cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral arteries
    • Venous drainage:
      • By numerous veins that form the Anterior Spinal Vein and Posterior Spinal Vein
      • Drain into the vertebral, intercostal, lumbar, and sacral veins

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Week 4 Lect The Spinal Cord PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the structure and function of the spinal cord, including its role in neural signaling and reflex actions. It covers key anatomical features, such as enlargements, the conus medullaris, and the cauda equina. Test your knowledge on the spinal cord's location and its significance in the nervous system.

    More Like This

    Neural Tube and Spinal Cord Development
    9 questions
    Anatomy of the Spinal Cord and Meninges
    23 questions

    Anatomy of the Spinal Cord and Meninges

    ManeuverableForgetMeNot2590 avatar
    ManeuverableForgetMeNot2590
    Introducción a la Médula Espinal
    48 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser