Neuraxial Anatomy Flashcards
CSF formed mainly where and of what location in ventricles?
Choroid Plexus of the lateral, third and fourth ventricles.
Contained in the epidural space
Fat
Lymphatics
Blood vessels
Epidural space boundaries
Cranially:
Caudally:
Anteriorly:
Laterally:
Posteriorly:
Epidural space boundaries
Cranially: Foramen magnum
Caudally: sacrococcygeal ligament
Anteriorly: posterior longitudinal ligament
Laterally: Pedicles
Posteriorly: both Ligamentum flavum and vertebral lamina.
Depth of epidural space is maximal and is how many mm at L2 midline
about 6 mm
0.6 cm
Epidural space depth at midthoracic region
4-5 mm
Epidural space is minimal where in the spine
Lumbar and cervical enlargements encroach on the epidural space
T9-T12 and C3-T2, respectively
roughly 3mm ligamentumflavum and dura
Anatomical limitations of epidural injection.
Injected fluid generally communicates freely throughout the space from the
rostral limit at the foramen magnum to
sacral hiatus caudally.
Trivia time!
It is speculated the epidural space is divided into 2 segments that may explain (with existing controversies) a unilateral block or difficulty threading cath into epidural space. What is the name of the connective tissue band that “exists” from dura to ligamentum flavum dividing the posterior epidural space into two compartment.
plica mediana dorsalis
Largest anastomotic link the _____ _____ (artery of _______), arises from the aorta in the lower thoracic or upper lumbar region.
radicularis magna
“artery of Adamkiewicz”
this artery is most commonly on the left and enters vertebral canal thru the L1 intervertebral foramen.
Critical to blood supply of the lower 2/3 of the spinal cord. Damage during aorta sx (AAA) = BLE motor loss = anterior spinal artery syndrome!
Drains the contents of the vertebral canal.
Vascular component
Internal vertebral venous plexus
