overview lecture - spinal cord and meninges

Question 1

list the meningeal layers surrounding the spinal cord, from deep to superficial.

Answer 1

pia matter (very closely associated with the surface of spinal cord); (sub-arachnoid space containing CSF); Arachnoid matter; dura matter.

Question 2

why is the venous plexus of the spinal cord different to other venous plexuses?

Answer 2

the venous plexus of the spinal cord doesn’t contain any valves so blood can flow in any direction.

Question 3

what do the superior articular facet and the inferior articular facet form together?

Answer 3

the zygopophysial joint

Question 4

what part of the vertebrae does the ligamentum flavum join?

Answer 4

the laminae

Question 5

what is the name of the ligament that joins the tips of the spinous processes?

Answer 5

the supraspinous process

Question 6

where is the posterior longitudinal ligament located?

Answer 6

on the posterior side of the vertebral bodies

Question 7

where does the spinal cord begin?

Answer 7

at the foramen magnum of the skull, as a continuation of the medulla oblongata

Question 8

at which vertebrae does the spinal cord end at?

Answer 8

at L1/L2 in Adults

Question 9

what is the CONE-like structure at the end of the spinal cord?

Answer 9

the conus medullaris

Question 10

what does the spinal cord become in the caudal equina?

Answer 10

the film terminale

Question 11

what vertebrae is the cervical enlargement between?

Answer 11

between C4 and T1

Question 12

what vertebrae is the lumbosacral enlargement between?

Answer 12

T11 - S1

Question 13

where does the spinal cord end in neonates?

Answer 13

L3

Question 14

what is the anterior cleft of the spinal cord called?

Answer 14

the anterior median fissure

Question 15

what is the name of the three horns of gray matter in the spinal cord from anterior to posterior?

Answer 15

ventral horns; lateral horns; dorsal horns

Question 16

is the dorsal (posterior) root motor or sensory?

Answer 16

sensory

Question 17

describe the structure of the spinal nerve from the surface of the spinal cord outwards?

Answer 17

spinal roots (anterior and posterior); spinal ganglion; spinal nerve: posterior ramus and anterior ramus; sympathetic ganglion

Question 18

how many pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the vertebral canal?

Answer 18

31

Question 19

do the spinal nerves pass above or below the corresponding vertebrae in the cervical region?

Answer 19

above

Question 20

do the spinal nerves pass above or below the corresponding vertebrae in the thoracic region?

Answer 20

below

Question 21

what are denticulate ligaments?

Answer 21

triangular extensions of pia matter attached to the arachnoid matter to suspend the spinal cord in the sub-arachnoid space

Question 22

what are the key features of the extradural space?

Answer 22

fatty matrix which runs from the the foramen magnum in the brain to the sacral hiatus

Question 23

what is the sacral hiatus?

Answer 23

the opening at the bottom of the sacral canal

Question 24

where is the internal vertebral venous plexus located?

Answer 24

in the extradural space

Question 25

how many longitudinal spinal arteries are there and where are they located?

Answer 25

3; one anterior spinal artery and two posterior spinal arteries; lie on the surface of the spinal cord.

Question 26

what arteries are the vertebral arteries branched from?

Answer 26

the subclavian arteries

Question 27

what are the segmental arteries branched from and how do they enter the vertebral canal?

Answer 27

numerous segmental arteries are branched from the aorta and enter the vertebral canal via intervertebral foramina

Question 28

what arteries does the anterior spinal artery give off?

Answer 28

sulcal arteries.

Question 29

where is the anterior spinal artery located?

Answer 29

in the anterior median fissure

Question 30

what do the vertebral arteries ascend via in the cervical region?

Answer 30

the foramen transversaria

Question 31

what do the segmental arteries enter through in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the back?

Answer 31

intervertebral foramina

Question 32

what do the segmental arteries arise from in the thoracic region?

Answer 32

intercostal arteries

Question 33

what do the segmental arteries arise from in the lumbar region?

Answer 33

lumbar arteries

Question 34

where is the external venous plexus located and what is its purpose?

Answer 34

located on the vertebral body (anterior external venous plexus) and on the spinous process (posterior external venous plexus) of vertebrae. The external venous plexus supplies the bone tissue of the vertebrae and drains the medullary cavity of the vertebral body. Connects to the segmental veins