Neuroanatomy 2 Flashcards
Where are the 2 enlargements of the spinal cord?
Cervical (upper limb)
Lumbar (lower limb)
Why do roots and rootlets get longer towards the end of the column?
Because the vertebral column grows faster than the cervical column
Through what structure are the spinal meninges continuous with the cranial meninges?
Via the foramen magnum
What ligament allows the spinal cord to be suspended in the canal?
Dentic ulate ligament
What makes up the dentic ulate ligament?
Formed from pia and arachnoid tissue
What is the name given to the termination of the spinal cord?
Conus medullaris
At what level is the conus medullaris?
L2
What spinal nerve roots make up the cauda equina?
L2 - Co
What is the name given to the structure that is a thin connective tissue continuation of the conus medullaris?
Filum terminale
What is the filum terminale anchored to?
Coccyx
What arteries supply the spinal cord?
3x major longitudinal arteries (1 anterior and 2 posterior)
Segmental arteries
Radicular arteries
What veins drain the spinal cord?
Longitudinal and segmental veins
Where are the internal vertebral venous plexuses (anterior and posterior) found?
In the vertebral canal in the epidural space (between dura and bone)
Where is a common site of CVA?
Internal capsule
What can a CVA in internal capsule cause?
Lack of descending control in the corticospinal tract - resulting in spastic paralysis with hyperflexion of the upper limb (decorticate posturing)
What does the tectospinal tract mediate?
Reflex head and neck movements
What are the functions of the reticulospinal tract?
Respiration, motor functions and consciousness
What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?
Excitatory input to antigravity muscles - i.e. stop you falling over
In general, what do fibres originating in pons generate - flexor or extensor movements?
Pons - generate extensor movements and inhibit flexor movements
(fibres from medulla do opposite)
What is Brown - Sequard syndrome?
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
What is the internal capsule and where is it found?
A white matter pathway
Found between thalamus and basal ganglia
