My Guess on What To Know Flashcards
Spinal Cord
Bidirectional transmission link between the body and the brain. Can generate its own sensorimotor reflex, which saves time
Spinal Cord Course
Caudal continuation of the medulla oblongata. Runs through foramen magnum, caudally through vertebral foramen of the vertebral column
Conus Medullaris
The point at which the spinal cord tapers to a point. Located at level of L1 or L2.
Neonate and Adult Spinal Cord Length
At birth, the spinal cord and vertebral column are the same length. Growth of the vertebral column is faster than the spinal cord.
Cauda Equina
Series of nerve rootlets at the end of the spinal cord that taper to a point called this
Spinal Cord Composition
An oval shaped mass of white matter that surrounds a butterfly or H shaped mass of gray matter
Ventral Median Fissure
Ventrally divides the spinal cord in half
Dorsal Median Septum
Posteriorly divides the spinal cord into left and right halves
Gray Matter of Spinal Cord
Composed of spinal nerve cells that surround the central canal
Horns of Gray Matter
Has two sets of horns, 2 dorsal horns and 2 ventral horns
Dorsal Horns
Thinner horns. Composed of sensory nuclei, which we call dorsal horn cells. Receive sensory information
Dorsal Horn Fibers
Synapse with dorsal horn cells. They compose the the sensory component of each spinal nerve
Ventral Horns
Composed of motor nuclei, which we call ventral horn cells. Motor in function.
Ventral Horn Fibers
Synapse with the ventral horn cells to send motor information out via the spinal nerves
Bar of the H
Cells that are part of the reticular formation
White Matter of Spinal Cord
Composed of a series of ascending and descending tracts, called funiculi.
Funiculi
Series of ascending and descending tracts. The transmission lines of the spinal cord. Ascending are sensory, descending are motor. Divided by anterior, posterior, and lateral
Ventral Spinothalamic Tract
Decussating ascending tract that runs from spinal cord to thalamus. Function is light touch????
Spinocerebellar Tract
Lateral Ascending tract. Ipsilateral and runs from spinal cord to cerebellum. Conveys information from tendons and muscles in the leg and trunk.
Lateral Spinothalamic Tract
Decussating Ascending tract. Runs from spinal cord to thalamus. Conveys information about pain and temperature
Fasiculus Gracilis
Dorsal ascending tract. Ipsilateral and goes to medulla oblongata. Conveys information about joint movement, vibration, and passive movement.
Fasiculus Cuneatus
Dorsal Ascending Tract. Ipsilateral and runs to medulla oblongata. Relays proprioceptive information
Vestibulospinal Tracts
Ventral descending tract. Runs from brain stem to spinal cord. Regulates balance reflex mechanism. Plays a role in posture and muscle tone
Direct Pyramidal Tract/ Ventral Corticospinal Trat
Ventral Descending tract. Runs from motor cortex. Relays voluntary impulses for movement in the mid thoracic region of the body
Reticulospinal Tract
Ventral descending tract. Starts at reticular formation of medulla oblongata and midbrain, goes to spinal cord. Regulates skeletal muscle tone
Tectospinal Tract
Ventral Descending tract. Decussating. Runs from tectum (more specifically the superior colliculi) and goes to spinal cord. Plays a role in audio-visual reflex.
Lateral Pyramidal Tract/ Lateral Corticospinal Tract
Lateral Descending tract. Decussating. Rises from motor cortex through medulla into spinal cord. Responsible for initiating of motor movements
Intersegmental Fibers
Information jumps from one segment to the next, it saves time. Allows for sensory motor reflex within the spinal cord, so it doesn’t have to travel to the brain.
