Functional Anatomy of the Spinal Cord (Exam 2)

Question 1

What are the 3 general functions of the spinal cord?

Answer 1

1. Sensory input and motor input for neck, trunk, limbs, and tail
2. Reflex control of patterned movement and adjustment of glandular activity in response to local afferent input without voluntary control
3. Transmission of information to and from the brain

Question 2

Function: Epidural Space

Answer 2

Separates spinal dura mater from the periosteal lining of the vertebral canal (fat-filled)

Question 3

Function: Dura Mater

Answer 3

Thick, fibrous outer meninge that surrounds the spinal cord

Question 4

Function: Subarachnoid Space

Answer 4

Separates the arachnoid and pia mater (CSF-filled)

Question 5

Function: Pia Mater

Answer 5

Inner meninge that adheres to the surface of the spinal cord

Question 6

Function: Denticulate Ligament

Answer 6

Lateral thickening of the pia on both sides of the spinal cord that crosses the subarachnoid space to attach to the arachnoid and dura mater

Question 7

Function: Ventral Roots

Answer 7

Carry motor nerve fibers
Damage = LMN signs

Question 8

Function: Dorsal Roots

Answer 8

Bring sensory fibers into the spinal cord

Question 9

Function: Dorsal Root Ganglion

Answer 9

Swelling on dorsal root that contains cell bodies of sensory neurons

Question 10

Function: Spinal Nerve

Answer 10

Formed by dorsal and ventral roots at the level of the vertebral foramina
Damage to spinal nerve produces sensory AND motor damage

Question 11

Function: Caudal Equina

Answer 11

Formed by the dorsal and ventral nerve roots of the sacral and caudal spinal cord segments traveling caudad to reach their appropriate foramina
Damage here causes LMN signs in the perineal reflex

Question 12

Function: Conus Medullaris

Answer 12

Tapered, terminal end of the spinal cord caudal to the lumbar enlargement

Question 13

Function and Location: Cervical Enlargement

Answer 13

C6-T2
Where dorsal and ventral roots of spinal nerves that make up the brachial plexus attach to the spinal cord

Question 14

Function and Location: Lumbar Enlargement

Answer 14

L4-S2
where dorsal and ventral roots of spinal nerves that make up the lumbosacral plexus attach to the spinal cord

Question 15

Answer 15

Question 16

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Question 17

Answer 17

Question 18

Answer 18

Question 19

Answer 19

Question 20

Answer 20

Question 21

Answer 21

Question 22

Answer 22

Question 23

Define: Conus Medullaris

Answer 23

The conus medullaris is the tapered, terminal end of the spinal cord caudal to the lumbar enlargement. The sacral and caudal segments are found in this region.

Question 24

Define: Filum Terminale

Answer 24

The filum terminale is the fibrous cord derived from glial and ependymal cells that extends from the conus medullaris to the caudal vertebrae. It helps anchor the spinal cord in the spinal canal.

Question 25

Define: Cauda Equina

Answer 25

The cauda equina (“horse’s tail”) is the structure formed by the dorsal and ventral nerve roots of the sacral and caudal spinal cord segments traveling caudad to reach their appropriate foramina.

Question 26

UMN signs

Answer 26

White matter damage