Neuroanatomy 2: Spinal Cord

Question 1

where does the spinal cord terminate and at what vertebral level

Answer 1

the conus medullaris at L1/2

Question 2

what is contained in the central canal

Answer 2

csf

Question 3

at which spinal segments is there also a lateral horn

Answer 3

T1-L2

Question 4

which part of the brain is the primary somatosensory cortex

Answer 4

post central gyrus

Question 5

name the ascending tracts

Answer 5

dorsal column

spinothalamic

Question 6

what us the dorsal column responsible for

Answer 6

fine touch

proprioception

Question 7

where do fibres cross in the dorsal column

Answer 7

medulla

Question 8

where do fibres in the dorsal column synapse

Answer 8

thalamus

Question 9

what does the spinothalamic tract carry

Answer 9

pain
temperature
deep pressure

Question 10

where is the primary motor cortex

Answer 10

precentral gyrus

Question 11

name the descending traCTS

Answer 11

Corticospinal tract (lateral and ventral)
Tectospinal tract
Reticulospinal tract
Vestibulospinal tract

Question 12

what does the cortico spinal tract govern

Answer 12

fine precise movement eg digits

Question 13

what is the cortico spinal tract also know as and why

Answer 13

Pyramidal tract

Forms ridges on dorsal aspect of medulla ‘pyramids’

Question 14

which corticospinal tract is formed from crossed fibres (and which is uncrossed)

Answer 14

crossed = LATERAL
uncrossed = VENTRAL

Question 15

what can cause a lack of decending control of the corticospinal tract

Answer 15

a CVA of internal capsule

Question 16

What happens as a result of loss of control from the corticospinal tract

Answer 16

spastic paralysis with hyperfelxion of upper limbs= decorticate posturing

Question 17

what is the purpose of the tectospinal tract

Answer 17

relex head and neck movement

Question 18

what is the function of the reticulo spinal tract

Answer 18

Reticular formation forms the central core of the brainstem. It has many nuclei and receives input from virtually all parts of the CNS. It has many functions, including the influencing of voluntary movement

Question 19

where do fibres in the reticulospinal tract which facilitate extensor movements originate

Answer 19

pons

medulla fibres form flexor movements

Question 20

what is the function of the vestibulospinal tract

Answer 20

excites antigravity muscles

Question 21

where do fibres in the vestibulo spinal tract originate

Answer 21

in the vestibular nucleus of the pons and medulla

Question 22

what condition does the vestibulospinal tract play and important role in

Answer 22

decrebrate rigidity (hyperextended spastoc paralysis) and paraplegia of the brainstem

Question 23

what does lateral hemisection of the spinal cord cause

Answer 23

brown sequard syndrome

Question 24

what are the signs of brown sequard

Answer 24

ipsilateral paralysis
ipsilateral hperreflexia/extensor plantar flexion
ipsilateral loss of vibratoyr sense and proprioception
contralateral loss of pain and temp sense