Spinal Cord Injuries and Anatomy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the anterior longitudinal ligament?

Facilitate spinal nerve exit

Support the spinal cord

Prevent hyperextension (correct)

Connect adjacent vertebrae

What structure is formed when the dorsal root and ventral root merge?

Conus medullaris

Cauda equina

Dorsal root ganglion

Spinal nerve (correct)

Which tract is responsible for detecting trunk and limb positions in the cerebellum?

Spino-olivary tract

Spino-tectal tract

Ventral corticospinal tract

Spino-cerebellar tract (correct)

What happens to sensation when the spino-cerebellar tracts are cut?

Sensation remains unchanged Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments and membranes contribute to the protection of the spinal cord?

Dura mater and cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Motor vehicles Signup and view all the answers

At which level does the spinal cord end in adults?

L1, L2 junction Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord contains gray matter divided into anterior, lateral, and dorsal horns?

Gray matter Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes spinal shock?

Flaccid paralysis with loss of sensation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of neurogenic shock?

Peripheral pooling of blood Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT associated with anterior cord syndrome?

Loss of fine touch sensation Signup and view all the answers

Which syndrome is characterized by greater weakness of the arms than the legs?

Central cord syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What type of spinal cord injury syndrome is characterized by intact sensory function and loss of motor function?

Anterior cord syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a major feature of posterior cord syndrome?

Intact sensation of pain and temperature Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a complete spinal cord injury?

Complete loss of voluntary movement in parts innervated by the segments below Signup and view all the answers

Which type of shock results from the loss of sympathetic nervous tone?

Neurogenic shock Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is crucial to prevent muscle atrophy in a patient with neurogenic shock?

Electro-stimulation of muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a mechanism of injury for spinal cord injury?

Vascular malformation complications Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of tetraplegia?

All four extremities are affected, with lower extremities more affected Signup and view all the answers

Which classification relates to the location of the injury?

Skeletal and neurologic level Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of cervical hyperflexion injuries?

Anterior compression fracture of the vertebral body Signup and view all the answers

Which injury indicates high-level paraplegia?

Injury in the T1 - T7 range Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a cervical compression injury?

Caused by diving accidents and results in whiplash Signup and view all the answers

What type of paralysis results from injuries specifically at the sacral segment of the spine?

Paraplegia Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Injuries - Importance of Spine

Stability of the backbone
Protection of the spinal cord
Protection of nerves between superior and inferior articular facets
Allow movement in 33 joints with their IVDs

Boney Anatomy

33 vertebrae
7 cervical vertebrae
12 thoracic vertebrae
5 lumbar vertebrae
5 sacral vertebrae (fused)
4 coccygeal vertebrae (fused)
Cervical vertebrae are the most mobile and prone to injury
Cervical vertebrae are most likely to have a fracture

Cervical Vertebrae

Atlas forms atlanto-occipital joint with the occipital bone (allowing flexion/extension)
Atlantoaxial joint with axis "odontoid" (allows rotation)
Has intervertebral foramina
Two vertebral arteries run through the intervertebral foramina
Vertebral arteries divide into two posterior cerebral arteries

Typical Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar Vertebrae

Cervical: most prominent spinous process in C7, smaller vertebral bodies, and have a transverse process
Thoracic: less movement, more stability, larger bodies
Lumbar: more stability, most prominent spinous process, large vertebral bodies

Facet Joints

Articulation of superior and inferior articular facets
Surrounded by a capsule
Important for movement, but also a source of pain

Spinal Cord Protection

Ligaments and dura mater with meninges
CSF is present in the subarachnoid space
Choroid plexus in the ventricles produces CSF

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Description

Explore the critical aspects of spinal cord injuries and the importance of spinal anatomy. This quiz covers the structure and function of vertebrae, particularly focusing on cervical vertebrae, their mobility, and susceptibility to injury. Test your knowledge on the stability and protection offered by the spine.