Functional Anatomy Spine

Question 1

What is the filum terminale?

Answer 1

An extension of the pia matter. The spinal canal continues a the proximal filum terminale and this is where ependymomas rise

Question 2

How many nerves? And how can you find the numbers?

Answer 2

31 nerves. 8 nerves 7 vertebrae so C8 is below C7 at C7/T1 , therefore T1 nerve below T1 vertebra, L5 nerve below L5 vertebra at L5/S1

Question 3

The anterior or posterior nerve roots are motor?

Answer 3

Anterior roots motor

Question 4

Which structure lies in the neural foramen? Above and below?

Answer 4

The Dorsal root Ganglion in the neural foramen
Above the foramen is the ventral and dorsal roots
Below the foramen the exiting nerve

Question 5

Content of the dorsal root ganglion?

Answer 5

the sensory root. The motor passes through but no synapse

Question 6

Spinothalamic tract

Answer 6

Ascending tract - 2 parts anterior and lateral

From dorsal root ganglion the fibers will cross the midline to a grey matter nucleus then form the tract and then synapse at thalamus

Anterior tract: coarse touch, pressure

LATERAL SPINOTHALAMIC TRACT:
PAIN
TEMPERATURE
ITCH
SEXUAL

Question 7

Spinocerebellar tract

Answer 7

Ascending tract - dorsal root ganglion to posterior horn, some fibers same side some corss

Unconscious proprioception WALKING, RUNNING,BIKE)

Question 8

Fasciculus Gracilis & Cuneatus

Answer 8

Medial lemniscus system
Ascending tract - posterior or dorsal columns
Tracts of Goll and Burdach

CONCIOUS PROPRIOCEPTION
FINE TOUCH. FINE PRESSURE, VIBRATION

Question 9

Longitudinal signal in the cord in the postrerior tracts

Answer 9

Subacute combined degeneration involving the Gracilis and Cuneatus Lichtheim’s disease

Question 10

Corticospinal tract

Answer 10

Descending tract - Conscious motor
Not all fibers cross in cervical region some stay ipsilateral. Babinski sign

LATERAL: 80-90% Limbs

Anterior: 20% Neck Shoulders

Question 11

Extrapyramidal tract

Answer 11

Descending tract

Unconscious motor, automated

LATERAL : Rubrospinalis, arms hands fine motor

Medial: Reticulospinalis anterior, tectospinalis, vestibulospinalis, legs and trunk

Question 12

What does no limb reflex mean?

Answer 12

No a-motor neuron function

Question 13

Lesions in which tracts usually combine?

Answer 13

Pyramidal and extra-pyramidal due to close proximity Babinski sign

Question 14

Acute flaccid paresis suggests involvement of

Answer 14

anterior horns . Most common sign of acute polio

Question 15

What are the Rexed Laminae?

Answer 15

Areas in the grey matter of the cord with latin letter similar to the Brodmann areas in the cortex