Module 5 (Spinal cord) Flashcards
Where is the spinal cord located and what is it supported by
In the vertebral canal supported by the vertebral column
How are messages transmitted between the CNS and PNS
Spinal nerves exit the spinal cord to supply sensory and motor innervations to regions close to the level of exit
Where does the spinal cord begin
At the foramen magnum of the occipital lobe and extends inferiorly to the level of L2
Function of the spinal cord
Facilitates communication between the CNS and PNS through the spinal nerves
What is the level of L2 known as
Conus medullaris
Inferior to L2, the axons emerging from the spinal cord are known as what
Cauda equina
Within the cauda equina, a small thin strand of pia mater is known as what
Filum terminale
What does filum terminale do
Anchors the spinal cord to the scrum and coccyx
Regions of the spinal cord
Same names as the regions of the vertebral column
Where is the spinal cord enlarged
At the cervical and lumbar levels
Why do enlargements of the spinal cord occur
Because of the additional nerves existing in the spinal cord that supply the limbs
What is a spinal cord injury (SCI)
Occurs when the spinal cord is damaged such that signals between the brains and PNS have difficulty communicating
Which functions will suffer some degree of impairment below the point of injury (SCI)
Motor deficit
Sensory deficit
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Respiratory difficulties
Where do C-level injuries occur
The cervical region of the spine
C1-C3 injuries
Limited movement of head and neck
Paralysis below that region
Difficulty talking
Require a ventilator to breath
C3-C4 injuries
Have head and neck movement
Limited shoulder movement
Typically able to walk
Can adjust to breathing without a ventilator
C5 injuries
have head, neck, and shoulder control
Can bend elbows and rotate hands
Self care is manageable
Can push wheelchair
Driving is frequently possible with aid
C6 injuries
Movement of the head, neck, shoulder, arms and wrists
Can bend elbows, extend the wrist, and rotate the palms
Can perform most self care duties, light housekeeping
Can manage a manual wheelchair
C7 injuries
Similar abilities to C6, but can manage more easily
Where do T-level injuries occur
In the thoracic region of the spine
C8-T1 injuries
Use of head, neck, shoulder, arms, hands, and fingers
Able to live alone
T2-T6 injuries
Normal functioning upper body
Some degree of impairment in legs
Can walk with assistive devices
T7-T12 injuries
Similar function to T2-T6 with slightly more control
Where do L-level injuries occur
In the lumbar region of the spine
L-level injuries
Some ability to move the hips and knee
Walking is often possible with assistive devices
Support and protection of the spinal cord
Similar to the brain
Surrounded by protective layers of meninges
Order of meninges in the spinal cord
Same as the brain
Pia mater being the most deep
Dura mater being the most superficial
Dura mater
Consists of one layer, between the external surface of the dura mater and the bone is fat-filled epidural space
Arachnoid mater
Deep to the dura mater
Between the arachnoid and the pia mater is the subarachnoid space, which is continuous with the subarachnoid space of the brain, and contains CSF
Pia mater
Deep to the arachnoid mater, directly attached to the spinal cord
Internal topography of the spinal cord
Inner grey matter and outer white matter
What is grey matter composed of
Dendrites, neuron cell bodies, glial cells, and unmyelinated axons
What is white matter composed of
Myelinated axons
Where is grey matter of the spinal cord located
Inside the spinal cord
What does grey matter consist of
Ventral and dorsal horn
What does the ventral horn do
Carries motor information
What does the dorsal horn do
Carries sensory information
What is between the anterior and posterior horns
Lateral/intermediate horn
Does does the lateral/intermediate horn do
Carries information from the sympathetic NS
Where is white matter of the spinal cord found
Lines the outside of the grey matter of the spinal cord
What does white matter consist of
Tracts of fibres separated into anterior, lateral, and posterior funiculi (bundles)
