Understanding the Reflex Arc and Spinal Cord Topography

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What is the main function of a reflex arc?

Slowing down responses

Conscious decision-making

Initiating voluntary muscle movements

Protecting the body from harm (correct)

Which region does the spinal cord extend from and to?

From the cervical to thoracic regions

From the lumbar to sacral regions

From the foramen magnum to L1-L2 vertebrae (correct)

From T1-T2 vertebrae

What is the basic structural difference between the gray and white matter of the spinal cord?

White matter contains neuronal cell bodies

Gray matter contains myelinated axons

Different types of neurons

Presence of cell bodies in gray matter only (correct)

What is the function of nucleus pathways in the spinal cord?

Connecting the spinal cord with the brain and peripheral organs Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord contains motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles?

Anterior horns Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons are present in the lateral horns of the spinal cord?

Sympathetic nervous system neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which main column of the white matter primarily contains motor pathways in the spinal cord?

Ventral columns Signup and view all the answers

What are the three protective coverings of the spinal cord referred to as?

Tunics (Meninges) Signup and view all the answers

What is the space filled with cerebrospinal fluid between the arachnoid mater and pia mater called?

Subarachnoid space Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the arterial blood supply to the spinal cord?

Provide oxygen and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the spinal cord is responsible for integrating sensory information and initiating motor responses?

Gray matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the conus medullaris at the terminal end of the spinal cord?

To provide sensory feedback Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurons are predominantly found in the ventral horns of the spinal cord?

Motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of tracts in the white matter of the spinal cord?

Conducting sensory signals to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates segmental units from suprasegmental units in the context of the spinal cord?

Segmental units control spinal reflexes, while suprasegmental units modulate voluntary movements. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord gray matter contains neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?

Lateral horns Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the dorsal columns in the white matter of the spinal cord?

Carrying sensory information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which tunics (meninges) of the spinal cord coverings form the innermost layer?

Pia mater Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the posterior spinal arteries in the blood supply of the spinal cord?

Providing oxygen and nutrients to spinal cord tissue Signup and view all the answers

In terms of function, what distinguishes the ventral columns from the lateral columns in the white matter of the spinal cord?

Ventral columns primarily contain motor pathways, while lateral columns have a mix of sensory and motor pathways. Signup and view all the answers