Spinal Cord Structure and Anatomy

Questions and Answers

What are the two main types of trauma that can impact the spinal cord and its function?

Direct trauma and trauma from disc protrusion.

Explain how inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can affect the spinal cord.

Inflammatory diseases can lead to the formation of osteophytes that compress nerve roots.

What is Brown-Séquard syndrome and what are its primary sensory deficits?

Brown-Séquard syndrome results from hemisection of the cord, causing ipsilateral loss of proprioception and motor function, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation.

Describe the presentation of lesions below L1 in the spinal cord.

Lesions below L1 typically present with lower motor neuron signs. Signup and view all the answers

What historical infections have been known to impact the spinal cord, and how?

Historically, infections like tuberculosis and epidural abscesses can affect the spinal cord, leading to complications such as nerve compression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural significance of the spinal cord being housed within the vertebral column?

The vertebral column provides structural support and protection for the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

At what vertebral levels does the spinal cord typically taper in adults?

The spinal cord typically tapers at the L1-2 interspace in adults. Signup and view all the answers

What are the cervico-lumbar enlargements of the spinal cord associated with?

The cervico-lumbar enlargements are associated with the brachial and lumbar plexuses. Signup and view all the answers

How does the growth of the vertebral column affect the spinal cord in relation to bony landmarks?

The growth of the vertebral column can cause spinal segmental levels to misalign with bony landmarks. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the division of the grey matter in the spinal cord.

Grey matter in the spinal cord is divided into two symmetrical halves by a dorsal median sulcus and a ventral median fissure. Signup and view all the answers

What role do afferent fibers play in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord?

Afferent fibers in the dorsal horn are associated with nociceptive stimuli and usually terminate near their point of entry. Signup and view all the answers

What types of neurons can be found in the ventral horn of the spinal cord?

The ventral horn contains neurons that innervate skeletal muscle. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain a clinical perspective when studying the spinal cord?

Maintaining a clinical perspective helps in understanding how spinal cord injuries can occur and their implications. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Structure and Location

Positioned in a canal within the vertebral column, providing structural support.
Rostrally continues to the medulla oblongata; caudally tapers at the L1-2 level in adults.
Anchored to the first coccygeal vertebra by the filum terminale.
Features cervical and lumbar enlargements, related to brachial and lumbar plexuses.

Development and Anatomy

During fetal growth, the spinal cord becomes shorter than the spinal canal, resulting in an adult termination at L1-2.
Alignment between spinal segment levels and bony landmarks varies as the spinal column grows, particularly in areas beyond the cervical spine.
Comprises two symmetrical halves divided by the dorsal median sulcus and ventral median fissure.
Gray matter surrounding the central canal is continuous with the CNS ventricular system and is divided into Rexed's laminae.

Neural Pathways and Function

Afferent fibers through the dorsal roots mostly terminate at their entry point but may travel in Lissauer's tract for broader synaptic connections.
Dorsal horn contains afferents linked to nociceptive stimuli; the ventral horn contains neurons that innervate skeletal muscle.

Clinical Considerations

Spinal cord injuries can result from various factors, such as:
- Trauma (direct injury or disc protrusion).
- Neoplasia (direct invasion or pathological vertebral fracture).
- Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid disease, osteoarthritis leading to osteophytes compressing nerve roots).
- Vascular issues (e.g., stroke, aortic dissection complications).
- Infections (historically including tuberculosis and epidural abscesses).

Specific Conditions and Syndromes

Brown-Sequard Syndrome results from hemisection of the cord, leading to:
- Ipsilateral loss of proprioception and upper motor neuron signs.
- Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation due to fibers decussating at varying levels.
Lesions below the L1 level typically manifest with lower motor neuron signs.

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Description

Explore the fascinating structure and location of the spinal cord. This quiz covers its developmental anatomy, including its relation to the vertebral column and key features like the cervical and lumbar enlargements. Test your knowledge on this essential part of the nervous system!