Meninges (Spinal Cord)

Question 1

What are the meningeal layers of the spinal cord?

Answer 1

-Dura
-Arachnoid
-Pia

Question 2

What is the dura of the spinal cord?

Answer 2

-outer meningeal layer that does not adhere to bones in the vertebral canal

-extension of the dura forms the filum terminale (anchors spinal cord to coccyx)

Question 3

What is the epidural space of the spinal cord?

Answer 3

The space between the vertebral canal bones and the dura (dura does not adhere to these)

*site for epidural block to inject (fat soluble) anesthetic
-will go through dural/meningeal layers and get to nerve roots causing numbness

Question 4

What is the arachnoid layer of the spinal cord?

Answer 4

Meningeal layer located in between dura and pia

Question 5

What is the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord?

Answer 5

Space between the arachnoid and pia layers

Question 6

What is the lumbar cistern?

Answer 6

The subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the vertebral column where the spinal cord does not continue into

*site for lumbar puncture to obtain CSF/inject pharmaceuticals, ideal space because spinal cord does not exist in this region
(continuing nerve roots have change of damage in this area but it is more unlikely because they are dangling and therefore more mobile)

Question 7

What is the pia layer of the spinal cord?

Answer 7

Innermost meningeal layer that follows the contour of the spinal cord
*dentate ligaments are pia extensions that anchor the spinal cord to the dura

Question 8

What is spina bifida occulta?

Answer 8

Failure of the posterior vertebral arch to fuse into a single spinous process
-bony defect, does not usually cause cognitive impairments
-often not discovered, and discovered by chance in adulthood if undergoing diagnostic imaging

Question 9

What is spina bifida meningocele?

Answer 9

Posterior arch fails to fuse into one spinous process and the defect is big enough for the meninges of the spinal cord protrude through
-Fluid fills up the protrusion and is called a meningocele
*least common form
*surgery in infants to correct it
*good prognosis, usually little to no nerve damage

Question 10

What is meningomyelocele spina bifida?

Answer 10

Posterior arch fails to fuse into one spinous process and the defect is big enough for the meninges AND the spinal cord to protrude through

Severe: lifelong disabilities
-leg weakness/paralysis
-loss of bladder/bowel function

Question 11

What does meningomyelocele spina bifida often go hand-in-hand with?

Answer 11

Arnold-Chiari Type II malformation
-the brainstem/cerebellum are herniated/pulled through the foramen magnum and into the upper spinal cord
*can cause increased neurological problems
*increased risk of hydrocephalus due to blockage of CSF flow