Spinal Cord & Spinal Nerves Flashcards
The ___ is nerve tissue continuous with that of the brain, extending inferiorly from the brain at the level of the foramen magnum.
spinal cord
The bony covering of the spinal cord is formed by the ____. The spinal cord lies within the spinal cavity formed by the vertebral foramina of the stacked vertebrae.
vertebral column.
The outermost of three membranous coverings, or meninges (singular, meninx), of the spinal cord is the tough, skin-like ___.
dura mater
The ___ are continuous with the meninges surrounding the brain.
spinal meninges
Categories under meninges
Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Subarachnoid space
Pia mater
Deep to the dura mater is a much thinner meninx, the spidery ___.
arachnoid mater
The space deep to the arachnoid, the ___, is filled with circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in life. The CS has been drained from your specimen.
subarachnoid space
The deepest meninx, the delicate ___, is a thin, vascular membrane adhering to the surface of the spinal cord.
pia mater
The ____ is a deep groove on the anterior surface of the human spinal cord (along the midline). This fissure is analogous to that on the ventral surface of the ox spinal cord.
anterior median fissur
The ___ is a somewhat shallower groove along the dorsal surface of the spinal cord.
posterior median sulcus
A ____ is seen in the C5 to Tl segments of the spinal cord, and a similar ____ is found in the L2 to S3 segments.
cervical enlargement, lumbar enlargement
Inferior to the lumbar enlargement, the spinal cord tapers to a cone-shaped end called the
conus medullaris.
TRUE or FALSE
The spinal cord proper does not extend below the L1 vertebra.
True
This group of spinal nerve roots, resembling a horse’s tail, is called the
cauda equina
Spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum at the base of the skull to the ___ lumbar vertebra;
Spinal cord protected by vertebral column; its inferior end where the spinal nerves exit is called ___ (resembles a horse’s tail)
cauda equina
occurs when there is dysfunction of multiple lumbar and sacral nerve roots of the cauda equina.
Most commonly results from a massive herniated disc in the lumbar region. A single excessive strain or injury may cause a herniated disc, however, many disc herniations do not necessarily have an
identified cause.
Cauda equina syndrome
•Spinal lesions and tumors
•Spinal infections or inflammation
•Lumbar spinal stenosis
•Violent injuries to the lower back (gunshots, falls, auto
accidents)
•Birth abnormalities
•Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
•Spinal hemorrhages (subarachnoid, subdural, epidural)
•Postoperative lumbar spine surgery complications
•Spinal anesthesia
Potential Causes of CES
Tests that May be Helpful in Diagnosing CES
Extremely important to assess for cauda equina syndrome.
Patient history and physical exam
Tests that May be Helpful in Diagnosing CES
A diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using magnetic fields and computer technology. ___ produces images of the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An x-ray of the spinal canal that gives good definition of the bone. If CES is
secondary to bone collapse from trauma or cancer, this study can help define that.
Visualization of the discs are not as easily seen on ___ scan. If no MRI is available, this study can give information helpful to evaluate the anatomy of the region, particularly if done in combination with a myelogram described below.
CT Scan
An X-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into
the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces; can show displacement on the spinal cord or spinal nerves due to herniated discs, bone spurs, tumors, etc.
Myleogram
Mainly collection of cell bodies at the center of spinal cord that is shaped like letter H or butterfly; consists of four structures
Gray Matter
contain axons which synapse with interneurons
Posterior Horns
