Spinal cord and spinal nerves Flashcards Preview

Health, Metabolism and Homeostasis > Spinal cord and spinal nerves > Flashcards

Flashcards in Spinal cord and spinal nerves Deck (17)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Where do spinal nerves exit their numbered vertebrae?

A

C1-C7 = cervical spinal n exit ABOVE their vertebrae

Below T1 = spinal n exit BELOW their vertebrae

2
Q

What do grey matter and white matter contain?

A

Grey - cell bodies

White - axons of neurons

3
Q

What type of neurons are present in the dorsal, lateral and ventral horns?

A

Dorsal - sensory
Lateral - autonomic
Ventral - Motor

4
Q

What is the blood supply of the spinal cord?

A

1 x Anterior and 2 x posterior spinal arteries

Arise from vertebral arteries

5
Q

What would happen if the segmental arteries (arising from the vertebral a.) supplying the inferior part of the spinal cord is blocked?

A

Result in ischaemic damage to the spinal cord

6
Q

Where do spinal nerves emerge from the vertebrae?

A

Via the intervertebral canal

7
Q

What type of nerves do spinal nerves contain?

A

Mixed nerves

8
Q

What is the venous drainage of the spinal cord?

A

Vertebral venous plexus - Valveless veins form a rich plexus around the spinal cord and within the epidural space -> pass into cranium and vertebral bodies

9
Q

What pathology can happen as a result of the vertebral venous plexuses communicating with the pelvic veins?

A

Form a route for cancer spread (e.g. prostate) into the vertebral bodies

10
Q

What could occur if the posterior ramus was compressed/injury?

A

Cause localised back pain

11
Q

What is the common level of adult spinal cord termination?

A

L1

12
Q

What is the common level of end of subarachnoid space?

A

Lower S1-S2

13
Q

If the L4-L5 disc prolapses, what spinal nerve does it affect?

A

L5 spinal nerve

14
Q

How is a lumbar puncture carried out?

A

VC is flexes to open up space between adjacent spinous process (patient - lying/sitting, knees up to chest)
Midline needle insertion - penetrate skin, supra/infra spinous lig. and ligamentum flavum

15
Q

What levels is spinal anaesthesia prerformed?

A

Between L3-L4 to L5-S1 space

16
Q

Where is the sacral hiatus located?

A

Inferior apex of an equilateral triangle measure between the post. sup. iliac spines

17
Q

In a caudal epidural, how is the needle introduced?

A

The needle is introduced at an oblique angle, then directed cephalad and advanced