Spinal Cord Flashcards
What protects the spinal cord?
Skin, epaxial muscles, vertebrae, meninges. It is very well protected.
List the meninges from outer to inner layers.
- Dura mater 2. Arachnoid 3. Pia mater
What is the delicate layer with spider web-like filaments?
Arachnoid layer
Where is the CSF found?
In the subarachnoid space.
What is the subdural space?
A vascular layer that is associated with the dura.
Which of the meninges is adhered to the spinal cord and brain?
Pia mater
Which layer is fused with the periosteum in the cranial cavity?
Dura mater
____ form an envelope that completely encloses the brain and spinal cord.
The meninges
Where is the epidural space? What fills this space?
Between the vertebrae and dura mater. Contains fat and fluid.
What are denticulate ligaments?
Connections from the dura to spinal cord, helps with stabilization.
What is a complete dorsal laminectomy?
A procedure where the laminae of the vertebral column are cut and removed to expose the spinal cord.
What is a hemilaminectomy?
A procedure where one side of the vertebral column is cut at the laminae to expose the spinal cord.
How does the length of the spinal cord compare to the length of the vertebral column. What is the consequence of that?
The spinal cord is shorter. Spinal nerves start coming off straight but become more parallel to the spinal cord dorsally.
What are the thickenings of the spinal cord called?
Brachial plexus and lumbosacral plexus.
What is the structure at the end of the spinal cord that is the shape of a cone?
Medullary cone.
What is the collection of spinal nerves at the end of the spinal cord called?
Cauda equina.
Where does the spinal cord end?
Around the ilium.
Where is CSF fluid collected or anesthetic administered in the caudal part of the spinal cord?
Lumbosacral interarcurate space.
Where is the lumbosacral interarcurate space?
Depends on species - cranial to the sacrum.