3. Neuroanatomy

Question 1

what are the functions of the anterior and posterior spinal cord

Answer 1

anterior cord: sensory and motor functions (light touch, pinprick and pain)

posterior cord: vibration and proprioception (joint position sense)

Question 2

what are the functions of central and lateral spinal cord tracts

Answer 2

more central tracts move arms, more lateral tracts move legs

Question 3

what are the symptoms of anterior cord syndrome

Answer 3

• loss of motor and sensory function below neural level

- retained proprioception and vibration sensation even below lesion

Question 4

what are the symptoms of posterior cord syndrome

Answer 4

• loss of proprioception and vibration sensation below neural level - ataxia and loss of coordination
• retained motor and sensory function

Question 5

what are the symptoms of central cord syndrome

Answer 5

arm problems more than legs - inverted paraplegia

Question 6

what is a neural level

Answer 6

last functional level below a lesion of spinal cord

Question 7

which nerve roots will be affected by disc prolapse in cervical and lumbar spine

Answer 7

cervical spine: paracentral and far lateral discs affects same roots, e.g. C6/C7 discs affect C7 n., C7/T1 discs affect C8 n.

lumbar spine: paracentral disc affects next exiting nerve root, far lateral disc affects exiting nerve root, e.g. L4/5 PC disc affects L5 n., L4/5 FL disc affects L4