Spinal cord Flashcards
The artery of Adamkiewicz (select 2):
a. more commonly arises from the left side
b. provides collateral circulation to the posterior spinal cord
c. usually arises between T4 and T8
d. occlusion can cause flaccid paralysis
a. more commonly arises from the left side
d. occlusion can cause flaccid paralysis
The artery of Adamkiewicz originates between
T8-T12
left side typically between T11-T12
The spinal cord’s circulation consists of:
posterior spinal arteries (2)
anterior spinal artery (1)
radicular arteries (6-8)
The anterior spinal artery perfuses the
anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord
The radicular arteries perfuse the
spinal arteries in the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord
The posterior spinal arteries perfuse
the posterior 1/3rd of the spinal cord
Interruption of radicular flow can cause
ischemic injury to the corresponding spinal cord segments
The ____________ supply the anterior and posterior spinal arteries in the cervical region of the spinal cord.
vertebral arteries
The most important radicular artery is
the artery of Adamkiewicz
The artery of Adamkiewicz perfuses the
anterior spinal cord in the thoracolumbar region
An aortic cross-clamp placed above the artery of Adamkiewicz can cause
ischemia to the lower portion of the anterior spinal cord resulting in anterior spinal artery syndrome (Beck’s syndrome)
Anterior spinal artery syndrome is also known as
Beck’s syndrome
Classic signs of anterior spinal artery syndrome include
flaccid paralysis of the lower extremities
bowel and bladder dysfunction
loss of temperature and pain sensation
preserved touch and proprioception
The corticospinal tract is perfused by
the anterior blood supply. This explains why the patient presents with flaccid paralysis of the lower extremies
The spinothalamic tract is perfused by
the anterior blood supply. This explains why the patient loses pain and temperature sensation
Autonomic motor fibers are perfused by
the anterior blood supply. This explains why the patient experiences bowel and bladder dysfunction
The dorsal column is perfused by the
posterior blood supply. This explains why touch and proprioception are preserved
List 3 spinal pathways that are supplied by the anterior spinal artery
corticospinal tract
autonomic motor fibers
spinothalamic tract
List 1 spinal pathway that is supplied by the posterior spinal artery.
dorsal column
The spinal cord links the
peripheral nerves to the brain
Motor and autonomic neurons exit the spinal cord via
the ventral nerve root