Lecture: Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves Flashcards
Briefly describe the spinal cord
The continuation of the CNS within the vertebral column from the foramen magnum to the L1/L2 intervertebral disc
How many vertebrae and spinal cord segments are there?
30 vertebrae
31 spinal cord segements (C1-C8)
C8 spinal nerve emerges above or below its corresponding vertebrae?
Below CVII
What is the conus medullaris?
Cone shaped tapered end of the spinal cord at L1/L2
What is the Cauda Equina?
Bundle of dorsal and ventral roots emerging from the conus medullaris, for the nerves L1 - Co1
What is the filum terminale?
continuation of the pia mater post conus medullaris, attaches apex of spinal cord to the coccyx
provides tension and stability
what separates the dura from the surrounding bone of the vertebrae?
fat-filled epidural space
describe the denticulate ligaments
flat, stabilising ligaments made of pia mater
reach out and attach to arachnoid mater
Where does the spinal cord terminate as a fetus/at birth/in adulthood?
Fetus - end of vertebral column
Birth - L3
Adulthood - between L1/L2
Describe the vasculature of the spinal cord
unpaired anterior spinal artery
paired posterior spinal arteries
arise from vertebral arteries
supported by radicular and segmental medullary arteries
What type of nerve emerge from the Dorsal Grey Horn
Somatic and Visceral Sensory
What type of nerve emerge from the Ventral Grey Horn
Somatic Motor
Visceral Motor
levels of the lateral grey horn?
T1-L2
S2-S4
Describe the spinal cord as we ascend it
White matter increases as ascended
Ventral grey horn enlarged where motor fibres to limbs arise
What differs above the T6 vertebrae?
there are 2 Dorsal Columns on each side of the midline
Gracile Fascicle medially
Cuneate Fascicle laterally
