Spinal cord

Question 1

Characteristics of spinal cord

Answer 1

Continuous with medulla oblongata, and exits skull thorugh foramen magnum (largest foramen)

Question 2

Where does spinal cord terminate in child/adult?

Answer 2

Child - L3
Adult- L1
As vertebral column will outgrow spinal cord, so terminates higher level in adults

Question 3

Meninges of the spinal cord

Answer 3

Dura, arachnoid and pia mater
Inferiorly, tapers into conus medullaris
Cauda equina (leash of spinal nerves)

Question 4

What is the filum terminale?

Answer 4

Prolongation of pia mater that extends inferiorly from apex of conus medullaris- attaches to coccyx

Question 5

Formation of spinal nerves

Answer 5

Dorsal (P) root will join with ventral (A) root to form the spinal nerve
Each gives off anterior branch (ramus) or posterior

Question 6

Spinal cord and spinal nerves

Answer 6

C- 8 pairs
T- 12 pairs
L- 5 pairs
S- 5 pairs
Coccygeal- 1 pair