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Questions and Answers
What is the common arrangement of grey and white matter in the spinal cord?
Grey matter is centrally located in an 'H' shape, while white matter is arranged outside.
What are the key structural features of the external aspect of the spinal cord?
Elongated cylindrical shape, located in the vertebral canal, approximately 45 cm long, extending from the brainstem to L2 in adults.
Which white matter tracts convey information in the spinal cord? (Select all that apply)
What is the primary function of the spinal cord?
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What are the enlargements of the spinal cord due to?
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The conus medullaris ends at L3 in adults.
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What type of information does the spinal cord transmit?
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What is the primary composition of grey matter?
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The central canal of the spinal cord contains ___.
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What is the role of the cauda equina?
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Study Notes
Spinal Cord Structure and Function
- The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
- It relays motor, sensory, and autonomic information.
- The spinal cord acts as a reflex center for basic reactions.
Location and Shape
- The spinal cord is located in the back and neck.
- It has an elongated cylindrical shape.
- The spinal cord extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) to L2 (adult) or L3 (newborn).
Spinal Cord Enlargements and Endings
- Enlargements occur at the cervical and lumbosacral regions due to increased motor neuron volume.
- The spinal cord ends at the conus medullaris (L2).
- The cauda equina (horse's tail) is formed by lower nerve roots elongated within the dural sac.
- The filum terminale is a fibrous extension that ends at the Co1.
Spinal Cord Meninges
- The spinal cord is surrounded by three meninges: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
- These layers protect the spinal cord and provide a cushion for nerve impulses.
Spinal Nerves
- There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
- Each spinal nerve is formed by the union of an anterior (ventral) root and a posterior (dorsal) root.
- The Anterior Root contains motor fibers.
- The Posterior Root contains sensory fibers.
Spinal Nerve Roots
- The spinal nerve exits the vertebral column through the intervertebral foramen.
- The mixed spinal nerve divides into ventral and dorsal primary rami.
- The ventral primary rami innervate the anterior and lateral parts of the body.
- The dorsal primary rami innervate the posterior part of the body.
Grey Matter
- Grey matter in the spinal cord is arranged in an 'H' shape and is surrounded by white matter.
- It is divided into four extensions: two ventral horns (motor neurons) and two dorsal horns (sensory neurons).
- It also contains the central canal, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
White Matter
- White matter consists of axons and is organized into columns (funiculi) and tracts (fasciculi).
- It contains ascending and descending pathways for nerve impulses.
- White matter is further subdivided into laminae.
- Damage to specific laminae can lead to regional loss of function.
Grey Matter in More Detail
- Grey matter is subdivided into laminae (Rexed's laminae).
- Lamina IX is the most important as it contains the cell bodies of motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscle.
Spinal Cord Tracts
- Ascending Tracts transmit sensory information from the spinal cord to the brain.
- Descending Tracts transmit motor signals from the brain to the spinal cord.
Arterial Supply
- The anterior and posterior spinal arteries are the primary sources of blood supply to the spinal cord.
- The spinal cord receives blood from multiple arteries, including the vertebral, segmental, and intercostal arteries.
Venous Drainage
- Venous blood from the spinal cord drains into the internal vertebral venous plexus.
- The internal vertebral venous plexus connects to the vertebral veins and the superior and inferior venae cavae.
Clinical Significance
- Understanding the anatomy of the spinal cord is essential for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
- This knowledge is crucial for neurosurgeons, neurologists, and physical therapists.
- The spinal cord can be affected by various injuries, diseases, and conditions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the spinal cord's anatomy and its roles in the nervous system. This quiz covers aspects such as its location, shape, enlargements, and protective meninges. Explore the intricate details of how the spinal cord communicates and functions.
