Gross Anatomy #4 – Spinal Cord/Meninges (2009)

Question 1

In the adult, the spinal cord extends down to what level?

a) T12
b) L2
c) L4
d) S1
e) S5

Answer 1

b) L2

Question 2

How many spinal nerves are there?

a) 30
b) 31
c) 32
d) 33
e) 34

Answer 2

b) 31

Question 3

How many cervical spinal nerves are there?

a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 8
e) 9

Answer 3

d) 8

Question 4

What spinal cord segments have enlargements?

a) Cervical and thoracic
b) Thoracic and lumbar
c) Cervical and lumbar
d) Lumbar and sacral
e) Thoracic and sacral

Answer 4

c) Cervical and lumbar

Question 5

A disc herniation at the level of L4-L5 will most affect which spinal nerve?

a) L3
b) L4
c) L5
d) S1
e) S2

Answer 5

c) L5

Question 6

What part of the spinal cord would be affected with a compression fracture at the L3
vertebra?
a) L1
b) L2
c) L3
d) L4
e) The spinal cord is not affected

Answer 6

e) The spinal cord is not affected

Question 7

Where is the most consistent location of the artery of Adamkiewicz?

a) T8
b) T10
c) L2
d) L4
e) S2

Answer 7

b) T10

Question 8

How many venous channels are usually seen in the spinal cord?

a) 2
b) 4
c) 6
d) 8
e) None

Answer 8

c) 6

Question 9

In the venous drainage of the spinal cord (Batson’s plexus), where is the most common
location of valves?
a) Liver
b) IVC/SVC
c) Azygous
d) Head
e) There are no valves

Answer 9

e) There are no valves

Question 10

Which of the following spaces contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

a) Epidural
b) Subdural
c) Subarachnoid
d) Subpial

Answer 10

c) Subarachnoid

Question 11

At what level does the dura mater end?

a) T8
b) T10
c) L2
d) L4
e) S2

Answer 11

e) S2

Question 12

Lumbar punctures can have severe consequences such as cranial herniation (leading
to coma) in a patient with increased intracranial pressure. What level is common for
inserting the lumbar puncture needle in an adult, measured at the iliac spines and entering
into the lumbar cistern?
a) T12
b) L2
c) L4
d) S2
e) S4

Answer 12

c) L4