Spinal Cord

Question 1

where does the spinal cord arise?

Answer 1

continuation of medulla oblongata

Question 2

where does the spinal cord travel through?

Answer 2

vertebral canal

Question 3

where does the spinal cord end?

Answer 3

around L2 - conus medullaris

Question 4

cauda equina

Answer 4

spinal nerves that arise from the end of the spinal cord

Question 5

how many points of enlargement are there during the course of the spinal cord?

Answer 5

two - cervical enlargement and the lumbar enlargement

Question 6

where does the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord occur? what does it represent?

Answer 6

C4-T1
represents the origin of the brachial plexus

Question 7

where does the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord occur? what does it represent?

Answer 7

T11-L1
represents the origin of the lumbar and sacral plexi

Question 8

what two impressions are found along the spinal cord?

Answer 8

anterior median fissure - deep and extends entire length og anterior surface
posterior median sulcus - shallower

Question 9

where do the spinal nerves from the cauda equina run?

Answer 9

in the subarachnoid space before exiting at appropriate vertebral level

Question 10

cauda equina syndrome

Answer 10

compression of nerves in the cauda equina

Question 11

what are 4 main signs of cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 11

• saddle-area anaesthesia (loss of sensation in buttocks, perineum and inner surfaces of the thighs)
• incontinence/retention
• reduced anal tone
• aralysis and sensory loss

Question 12

what is diagnosis + treatment of cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 12

MRI
surgery within 36 hours for surgical decompression

Question 13

distally, the spinal meninges form what?

Answer 13

filum terminale - attaches to vertebral bodies of coccyx

Question 14

epineurium

Answer 14

outer connective tissue covering the spinal nerve

Question 15

distal to the conus medullaris, the subarachnoid space expands to form what?

Answer 15

lumbar cistern

Question 16

why is the lumbar cistern clinically important?>

Answer 16

it is the space accessed during a lumbar puncture and for spinal anaesthesia

Question 17

what are denticulate ligaments?

Answer 17

thickenings of the dura mater between nerve roots, which suspends the spinal cord in the vertebral canal

Question 18

what are the 2 roots of each spinal nerve?

Answer 18

anterior - motor
posterior - sensory

Question 19

where do the spinal roots unite to form a single spinal nerve?

Answer 19

intervertebral foramina

Question 20

where does each spinal nerve leave the vertebral canal?

Answer 20

intervertebral foramina

Question 21

what happens when the spinal nerve leaves the vertebral canal?

Answer 21

divides into:
* posterior rami
* anterior rami

Question 22

what is the difference between posterior rami and anterior rami of the spinal nerves?

Answer 22

posterior - supplies nerve fibres to synovial joints of vertebral column, deep muscles of back and overlying skin
anterior - supplies nerve fibres to remaining area of body

both motor and sensory

Question 23

what nerve roots form the cauda equina?

Answer 23

L2-S5

Question 24

Label the spinal nerve

Answer 24