SCI Pathophys and Clinical Presentation Flashcards
What is found in the central gray matter?
- dorsal horn (sensory)
- intermediate zone (interneurons)
- ventral horn (motor)
What is found in white matter?
ascending and descending columns
Which part of the spine is preganglionic sympathetic?
T1-L2 lateral horn
Which part of the spine is preganglionic parasympathetic?
S2-S4 lateral horn
White matter ______ from caudal to cranial. Where is the volume of gray matter the highest?
increases
volume of gray matter highest in cervical and lumbosacral regions
- for UE and LE
What are the major sources of vascularization for the spinal cord?
- Anterior spinal artery – ventral surface and supplies 2/3 of spinal cord
- Posterior spinal artery – posterior surface and supplies 1/3 of spinal cord
What is the region of vulnerability (susceptible to infarct) in the spine?
T4-T8
Functions of the dorsal column - medial lemniscus pathway
- conscious proprioception
- vibration
- light and discriminative touch
Where does the dorsal column - medial lemniscus pathway decussate?
2nd order neurons cross in caudal medulla in internal arcuate fibers
Location of the dorsal column - medial lemniscus pathway?
center posterior white matter
function of anterolateral pathways
- pain
- temperature
- crude touch
point of decussation of anterolateral pathway
2nd order neurons cross at level of spinal cord through anterior commissure
location of anterolateral pathway
near ventral horn
- lateral and more anterior side
functions of spinocerebellar pathway
unconscious proprioception from trunk and limbs
point of decussation of spinocerebellar pathway
ascends ipsilaterally and contralaterally
- terminates in ipsilateral cerebellum
location of spinocerebellar pathway
lateral edges of white matter
function of lateral corticospinal tract
volitional movement of contralateral limbs
point of decussation for lateral corticospinal tract
cross at pyramidal decussation and descend contralaterally
location of lateral corticospinal tract
by posterior horn
function of anterior corticospinal tract
controls bilateral axial and girdle muscles
point of decussation for anterior corticospinal tract
descends ipsilaterally until level of spinal cord, then bilateral innervation
location of anterior corticospinal tract
along ventral median fissure
functions of rubrospinal tract
assists lateral corticospinal tract with descending drive for movement of contralateral limbs (flexors)
point of decussation of rubrospinal tract
midbrain and descends contralaterally
location of rubrospinal tract
midpoint and towards lateral edge
functions of vestibulospinal tracts - medial and lateral
medial - control positioning of head and neck
lateral - truncal control and balance
point of decessation of vestibulospinal tracts - medial and lateral
medial - none (descends bilaterally)
lateral - non (descends ipsilaterally)
location of vestibulospinal tracts - medial and lateral
most ventral next to ventral median fissure
functions of reticulospinal tract
aids in posture and gait-related movements
point of decussation of reticulospinal tract
none - descends ipsilaterally