Neuroanatomy 2

Question 1

Where are the 2 enlargements of the spinal cord?

Answer 1

Cervical (upper limb)

Lumbar (lower limb)

Question 2

Why do roots and rootlets get longer towards the end of the column?

Answer 2

Because the vertebral column grows faster than the cervical column

Question 3

Through what structure are the spinal meninges continuous with the cranial meninges?

Answer 3

Via the foramen magnum

Question 4

What ligament allows the spinal cord to be suspended in the canal?

Answer 4

Dentic ulate ligament

Question 5

What makes up the dentic ulate ligament?

Answer 5

Formed from pia and arachnoid tissue

Question 6

What is the name given to the termination of the spinal cord?

Answer 6

Conus medullaris

Question 7

At what level is the conus medullaris?

Answer 7

L2

Question 8

What spinal nerve roots make up the cauda equina?

Answer 8

L2 - Co

Question 9

What is the name given to the structure that is a thin connective tissue continuation of the conus medullaris?

Answer 9

Filum terminale

Question 10

What is the filum terminale anchored to?

Answer 10

Coccyx

Question 11

What arteries supply the spinal cord?

Answer 11

3x major longitudinal arteries (1 anterior and 2 posterior)
Segmental arteries
Radicular arteries

Question 12

What veins drain the spinal cord?

Answer 12

Longitudinal and segmental veins

Question 13

Where are the internal vertebral venous plexuses (anterior and posterior) found?

Answer 13

In the vertebral canal in the epidural space (between dura and bone)

Question 14

Where is a common site of CVA?

Answer 14

Internal capsule

Question 15

What can a CVA in internal capsule cause?

Answer 15

Lack of descending control in the corticospinal tract - resulting in spastic paralysis with hyperflexion of the upper limb (decorticate posturing)

Question 16

What does the tectospinal tract mediate?

Answer 16

Reflex head and neck movements

Question 17

What are the functions of the reticulospinal tract?

Answer 17

Respiration, motor functions and consciousness

Question 18

What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?

Answer 18

Excitatory input to antigravity muscles - i.e. stop you falling over

Question 19

In general, what do fibres originating in pons generate - flexor or extensor movements?

Answer 19

Pons - generate extensor movements and inhibit flexor movements
(fibres from medulla do opposite)

Question 20

What is Brown - Sequard syndrome?

Answer 20

Lateral hemisection of cord - destroys half of cord
Ipsilateral paralysis, hyperreflexia, extensor plantar reflex, loss of vibration and proprioception
Contralateral loss of pain and temperature

Question 21

What is the internal capsule and where is it found?

Answer 21

A white matter pathway

Found between thalamus and basal ganglia