Chapter 32 - Spinal Column and Spinal Cord Trauma

Question 1

anterior cord syndrome

Answer 1

loss of most function below the site of injury to the anterior portion of the spinal cord.

Question 2

Brown-Séquard syndrome

Answer 2

loss of different functions on opposite sides of the body from injury to one side of the spinal cord.

Question 3

central cord syndrome

Answer 3

loss of function in upper extremities caused by injury to the middle portion of the spinal cord.

Question 4

cervical spine

Answer 4

the first seven vertebrae of the neck.

Question 5

coccyx

Answer 5

the four fused vertebrae that form the most distal end of the spine; the tailbone.

Question 6

complete spinal cord injury

Answer 6

injury to the spinal cord that results in a complete loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic function below the level of injury.

Question 7

disk

Answer 7

fluid-filled pad of cartilage between two vertebrae.

Question 8

incomplete spinal cord injury

Answer 8

injury to the spinal cord that does not affect all spinal cord tracts: motor, light touch, and pain. May produce conflicting and confusing assessment findings as some motor and sensory functions remain intact while others do not.

Question 9

lumbar spine

Answer 9

the five vertebrae located between the sacral and the thoracic spine that form the lower back.

Question 10

neurogenic hypotension

Answer 10

condition associated with injury to the spinal cord that results in vasodilation and relative hypovolemia. Also called spinal-vascular shock or neurogenic shock. See also spinal shock.

Question 11

priapism

Answer 11

a persistent erection of the penis resulting from injury to the spinal nerves to the genitals.

Question 12

sacral spine

Answer 12

five vertebrae that are fused together to form the rigid part of the posterior side of the pelvis. Also called the sacrum.

Question 13

spinal column

Answer 13

the column of 33 vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord. Also called the vertebral column.

Question 14

spinal cord

Answer 14

a column of nervous tissue that exits from the brain and extends to the level of L2 within the spinal column. All nerves to the trunk and extremities originate from the spinal cord.

Question 15

spinal shock

Answer 15

shock caused by injury to the spinal cord, causing paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of the spinal cord injury. Signs may include motor and sensory dysfunction. Normal to low heart rate and warm, dry, pink skin may occur is vasodilation and relative hypovolemia (neurogenic hypertension) are present.

Question 16

thoracic spine

Answer 16

the 12 vertebrae directly below the cervical vertebrae that comprise the upper back

Question 17

vertebrae

Answer 17

the 33 bony segments of the spinal column. PL. of vertebra.