Spinal Cord Injuries and Anatomy Overview

The soft tissue that acts as a buffer between the bony bodies of adjacent vertebrae, preventing excessive friction and impact during movement.

A strong ligament that runs along the front of the vertebral column, preventing excessive hyperextension (bending backwards) of the spine.

A thick band of connective tissue that encloses the spinal cord within the vertebral canal, providing protection and support.

A group of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord below the level of the conus medullaris, resembling a horse's tail.

A specialized region of the spinal cord that is thicker to accommodate the increased number of nerves supplying the upper limbs.

The area of the spinal cord that controls voluntary movements of the lower limbs.

A specialized type of sensory neuron located in the dorsal root ganglion, responsible for transmitting sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord.

The clear fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain, providing cushioning, protection, and essential nutrients.

Injury to the spinal cord caused by a sudden, forceful movement of the head, typically resulting in a hyperextension of the cervical spine.

Injury occurring when an individual's chin is displaced outward due to a forceful impact, often resulting in a compressed flexion of the neck, potentially leading to spinal cord damage.

Injury resulting from a sudden force on the neck, usually involving a combination of flexion and rotation, leading to damage to the spinal cord.

Injury caused by extreme forward bending of the neck, leading to compression of the vertebral body, which can disrupt blood flow to the spinal cord.

A condition characterized by a loss of voluntary movement and sensation in the parts of the body below the level of the spinal cord injury.

A condition affecting both arms and legs, occurring when the spinal cord is injured between the C1 and T1 vertebrae.

A condition involving paralysis of the lower body, including the legs, feet, and often the trunk muscles, resulting from injury to the spinal cord below the T1 vertebra.

A condition involving weakness or paralysis of the arms and legs, especially noticeable in the lower extremities, with some shoulder girdle function preserved.

A condition characterized by a complete loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury. The patient is unable to move or feel anything below the injury site.

A type of shock caused by the loss of sympathetic nervous system function below the level of injury.

Damage to the anterior portion of the spinal cord, typically due to flexion and rotation injuries.

Damage to the posterior portion of the spinal cord, typically due to hyperextension injury.

Damage to the center of the spinal cord, often caused by hyperextension injuries.

Damage to one half of the spinal cord, typically caused by penetrating injuries.

Damage to the conus medullaris, the lowermost portion of the spinal cord.

Damage to the cauda equina, the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord.