Neuroanatomy 2: Spinal Cord Flashcards
where does the spinal cord terminate and at what vertebral level
the conus medullaris at L1/2
what is contained in the central canal
csf
at which spinal segments is there also a lateral horn
T1-L2
which part of the brain is the primary somatosensory cortex
post central gyrus
name the ascending tracts
dorsal column
spinothalamic
what us the dorsal column responsible for
fine touch
proprioception
where do fibres cross in the dorsal column
medulla
where do fibres in the dorsal column synapse
thalamus
what does the spinothalamic tract carry
pain
temperature
deep pressure
where is the primary motor cortex
precentral gyrus
name the descending traCTS
Corticospinal tract (lateral and ventral)
Tectospinal tract
Reticulospinal tract
Vestibulospinal tract
what does the cortico spinal tract govern
fine precise movement eg digits
what is the cortico spinal tract also know as and why
Pyramidal tract
Forms ridges on dorsal aspect of medulla ‘pyramids’
which corticospinal tract is formed from crossed fibres (and which is uncrossed)
crossed = LATERAL uncrossed = VENTRAL
what can cause a lack of decending control of the corticospinal tract
a CVA of internal capsule
What happens as a result of loss of control from the corticospinal tract
spastic paralysis with hyperfelxion of upper limbs= decorticate posturing
what is the purpose of the tectospinal tract
relex head and neck movement
what is the function of the reticulo spinal tract
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
where do fibres in the reticulospinal tract which facilitate extensor movements originate
pons
medulla fibres form flexor movements
what is the function of the vestibulospinal tract
excites antigravity muscles
where do fibres in the vestibulo spinal tract originate
in the vestibular nucleus of the pons and medulla
what condition does the vestibulospinal tract play and important role in
decrebrate rigidity (hyperextended spastoc paralysis) and paraplegia of the brainstem
what does lateral hemisection of the spinal cord cause
brown sequard syndrome
what are the signs of brown sequard
ipsilateral paralysis
ipsilateral hperreflexia/extensor plantar flexion
ipsilateral loss of vibratoyr sense and proprioception
contralateral loss of pain and temp sense
