2.2 The Spinal Cord Flashcards
How long is the spinal cord?
17 inches in length
What protects the spinal cord?
vertebral column
meninges
CSF
Where does the spinal cord extend from and to?
from the brainstem to the first lumbar vertebra
What is the termination of the spinal cord?
conus medullaris
What is the cauda equina?
collection of nerve roots that are extensions of the spinal cord beyond L1
Where does the cauda equinis extend to?
coccyx
What is the spinal dura mater?
single layer sheath that is separated from the vertebral column by the epidural space
What is the epidural space of the spinal cord filled with?
fat
What is the space between the middle arachnoid and inner pia mater filled with?
CSF
What is the filum terminale?
extension of pia mater that runs from the conus medullaris to the coccyx
What is the function of hte fikum terminale?
provides the inferior anchor for the spinal cord
Where is the location chosen to perform a spinal tap??
subarachnoid space inferior to the end of the spinal cord at L1
What is a spinal tap?
removal of fluid for diagnostic testing
Why is the location for a spinal tap chosen?
less risk of damaging the spinal cord from insertion of long needle
What are the rwo grooves on the surface of the spinal cord?
anterior median fissure
posterior median sulcus
What is the central canal of the spinal cord?
opening that runs the length of the spinal cord and is filled with CSF
What is the white matter of the spinal cord composed of?
myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers that are organized into regions called columns
What is a bundle of axons called in the CNS?
tract
How do tracts connect in the spinal cord?
cross over to the opposite side
What is the white matter of the spinal cord mainly composed of?
ascending tracts
descending tracts
