Chapter 13: The Spinal Cord Flashcards
What is the spinal cord an extension of?
Its an extension of the medulla oblongata which is part of the brain.
What is the average diameter of the spinal cord?
half an inch
What is the cervical enlargement?
area in the lower neck region, nerves for innervating (passing energy) upper limbs
What is the lumbar enlargement?
located in the lower back region; nerves for innervating lower limbs are located here
What is the conus medullaris?
The most inferior cone shaped part of the spine in the lower back region
What are some things that help protect the brain?
The skin and muscles of the back and vertebrae
What are the 3 spinal meninges?
The dura mater (1 layer)
The arachnoid mater - middle layer that is web like
pia mater - thin layer attached to the spinal cord; extends from the tip of the conus medullaris. it attaches to the coccyx (a bone)
What are the 3 spaces found around the spinal cord?
The Epidural space - contains fats and blood vessels
the subdural space - same as around the brain, space between the dura mater and arachnoid mater
subarachnoid space - same as brain + 2 denticulate ligaments go through csf on lateral sides
