Exercise 19: The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves Flashcards
What is the anatomical term for: most superior boundary of the spinal cord
Foramen magnum
What is the anatomical term for: meningeal extension beyond the spinal cord terminus
Filum terminale
What is the anatomical term for: spinal cord terminus
Conus medullaris
What is the anatomical term for: collection of spinal nerves traveling in the vertebral canal below the terminus of the spinal cord
Cauda equina
The proper answer to the description relating to the spinal cord anatomy for: primary neuron type found in dorsal horn is?
Sensory, interneuron
The proper answer to the description relating to the spinal cord anatomy for: primary neuron type found in ventral horn is?
Motor
The proper answer to the description relating to the spinal cord anatomy for: neuron type in dorsal root ganglion is?
Sensory
The proper answer to the description relating to the spinal cord anatomy for: fiber type in ventral root is?
Motor
The proper answer to the description relating to the spinal cord anatomy for: fiber type in dorsal root is?
Sensory
The proper answer to the description relating to the spinal cord anatomy for: fiber type in spinal nerve is?
Sensory, motor
Where in the vertebral column is a lumbar puncture generally done? Why is it the site of choice?
Below L3; meninges extend beyond spinal cord and are filled with CSF, so the spinal cord isn’t damaged
The spinal cord is enlarged in two regions, the _____ and the _____ regions. What is the significance of these enlargements?
Cervical; lumbar; the nerves serving the upper and lower limbs arise here
How does the position of the grey and white matter differ in the spinal cord and the cerebral hemispheres?
Spinal cord: outer layer = white, inner layer = gray; cerebrum: outer layer = gray, inner layer = white
Describe the function of the denticulate ligaments.
Anatomical properties , functional and clinical significance; stabilize the spinal cord within the vertebral canal
Explain why spinal nerves are mixed nerves.
Because their posterior roots contain sensory axons and their anterior roots contain motor axons
Compare and contrast the meninges of the spinal cord and the brain.
Both: connective tissue that covers/ protects; brain: dura mater = 2 layers, tightly adhered; spinal cord: 1 layer, epidural space
How can you distinguish the dorsal from the ventral horns?
Ventral horns are wider than dorsal horns and dorsal horns are closer to outer edges of spinal cord
In the human, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, named according to the region of the vertebral column from which they issue. How much is the cervical nerves numbered?
C1 - C8
In the human, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, named according to the region of the vertebral column from which they issue. How much is the lumbar nerves numbered?
L1 - L5
In the human, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, named according to the region of the vertebral column from which they issue. How much is the sacral nerves numbered?
S1 - S5
In the human, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, named according to the region of the vertebral column from which they issue. How much is the thoracic nerves numbered?
T1 - T12
The ventral rami of spinal nerves C1 through T1 and T12 through S4 take part in forming _____, which serve the _____, _____ _____ of the body. The ventral rami of T2 through T12 run between the ribs to serve the _____ _____. The dorsal rami of the spinal nerves serve _____ _____.
Plexuses; limbs, anterior truck; intercostal muscles; posterior trunk
What would happen to the dorsal root of the spinal nerve if it was damaged or transected?
Loss of sensory function
What would happen to the ventral root of the spinal nerve if it was damaged or transected?
Loss of motor function
