Spinal Cord Injury Quiz

Spinal Nerve and Vertebra Relationship

• Spinal nerves above corresponding vertebrae are found in the cervical region.
• Remaining spinal nerves, except for C8, are located below their corresponding vertebrae.

Myotome and Dermatomes

• Myotome refers to a group of muscles innervated by a single spinal nerve root.
• Dermatomes are regions of skin innervated by the sensory fibers of a single spinal nerve root.
• C8 spinal nerve has a unique significance, as it represents the transition point between cervical and thoracic spinal nerves.

Peripheral Nerve Fields

• The peripheral nerve field refers to an area of skin that a single peripheral nerve innervates, typically representing multiple spinal nerve segments.
• The role of the peripheral nerve field is to provide a mixed sensory and motor function to a region.

Myotome Responsibilities

• Ankle dorsiflexion is primarily controlled by the L4 myotome.
• The C2 dermatomes are associated with the innervation of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
• Wrist extensors are mainly innervated by the C6 myotome.
• Elbow extensors correspond with the C7 myotome.
• Knee extensors are governed by the L3 myotome.

Spinal Cord Injury Classifications

• Anterior cord syndrome indicates damage to the anterior part of the spinal cord and is classified as an incomplete spinal cord injury.
• A complete spinal cord injury classification characterizes paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia).
• Central cord syndrome is associated with damage to the central region of the spinal cord.

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Demographics

• The male to female ratio for new cases of traumatic spinal cord injury in Australia is approximately 4:1.