Spinal Cord

Question 1

What are the landmarks of the spinal cord?

Answer 1

-Conus medullaris
-Cauda equina
-Filum terminale
-Dentate (denticulate) ligaments

Question 2

What is the conus medullaris?

Answer 2

The termination of the spinal cord at T12-L1

Question 3

What is the cauda equina?

Answer 3

The lumbosacral “dangling” nerve roots descending in the vertebral and sacral canal

“horse’s tail”

Question 4

What is the filum terminale?

Answer 4

Continuation of the dura layer of the spinal cord which continues to anchor to the spinal cord to the coccyx bone

Question 5

What are dentate (denticulate) ligaments?

Answer 5

Pia layer extensions that fold out and anchor the spinal cord onto the dura

Question 6

Which nerve roots are cervical?

Answer 6

C1-C8
*exit below each of the vertebral pedicles as they move down the spine

Question 7

Which nerve roots are thoracic?

Answer 7

T1-T12
*exit below each of the vertebral pedicles as they move down the spine

Question 8

Which nerve roots are lumbar?

Answer 8

L1-L5
*exit below each of the vertebral pedicles as they move down the spine

Question 9

Which nerve roots are sacral?

Answer 9

S1-S5
*exit below each of the vertebral pedicles as they move down the spine

Question 10

What is radiculopathy?

Answer 10

Impingement of a spinal nerve root (can be caused by a herniation or severe osteoarthritis resulting in bone spurs)

Question 11

What are the signs and symptoms of radiculopathy?