Definitions Flashcards
Fasciculus Gracilis
Sensory, fine touch, proprioception, vibration from ipsilateral side of the cord. Medial to the Cuneatus and carries sensory from below T-8
Fasciculous Cuneatus
Sensory, fine touch, vibration, proprioception from ipsilateral side of the body. Lateral to the gracilis and carries information above T-8
Spinocerebellar tract
Carries proprioception from the limbs to the cerebellum
Lateral corticospinal tract
Carries motor information to the ipsilateral anterior horn alpha motor neurons
Anterior corticospinal tract
Carries motor innervation to the ipsilateral and contralateral anterior horn.
Anterior comissure
Where pain and temperature tracts desiccate in the spinal cord.
Spinothalamic tract
Pain and vibration from the contralateral side of the body.
Where is the lumbar cistern ?
The space in the spinal column after the cord has terminated (L1-L2 in adults) and the S-2 root.
Where is the epidural space.
Between the vertebral periosteum and the dural sac.
What is the difference between spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia ?
Spinal anesthesia is given in the subdural space. You must penetrate the dura and it requires much less anesthetic.
How many spinal nerves are there ?
31 duhh 8-cervical 12- thoracic 5-lumbar 5-sacral and 1 coccageal
What nerves flex the elbow ?
C5- C6
What nerves flex the wrist
C6 C7
What nerves extend the elbow ?
C7 C6
What are lower motor neurons ? What modulates function of LMN?
Alpha motor neurons who’s cell bodies are in the anterior horn. They are modulated by renshaw cells
What cell bodies are in the lateral horn ?
The preganglionic motor neurons of the visceral efferent system ( Parasympathetic and Sympathetic )
How many layers of grey matter are there ?
10 they are called Rexed lamina.
Rexed lamina 1-6
Posterior horn
Rexed lamina 7-9
Anterior horn
rexed lamina 10
Central canal
Describe the somatotrophic organization of the anterior horn
The flexor muscles are posterior and the extensor muscles are more anterior. Distal motor groups are found more lateral in the horn
Where do neurons in the anterior corticospinal tract cross over ?
They cross over at the level in which they innervate the LMN. The anterior tract is mainly concerned with maintaining posture.
Where does the lateral corticospinal tract cross over ?
The lateral corticospinal tract crosses at the level of the brainstem and is the main supply of innervation to the alpha motor neurons in the anterior horn
What does the spinocerebellar tract perform ?
The spinocerbellar tract provides proprioreceptive information to the ipsilateral cerebellum
Spinothalamic tract ?
Located in the anterior lateral column and provides pain and temperature to the contralateral side of the body.
What artery perfuses the posterior 1/3 of the spinal column ?
Posterior vertebral arteries
What perfuses the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord ?
Anterior vertebral arteries
What are the two arterial systems that perfuse the spinal column ?
The vertebral - Basalar system and the segmental arteries