Spinal Cord Flashcards
What is the primary function of the spinal cord?
To transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
True or False: The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system.
True.
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord extends from the _____ to the _____ in adults.
medulla oblongata; lumbar vertebrae
What are the main protective structures of the spinal cord?
The vertebral column (spine) and meninges.
How many segments does the spinal cord have?
31 segments.
Multiple choice: Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for reflex actions?
Gray matter.
What is the role of the dorsal root in spinal cord anatomy?
To carry sensory information to the spinal cord.
True or False: The spinal cord can regenerate after an injury.
False.
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is divided into _____ regions.
five
What are the five regions of the spinal cord?
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.
Multiple choice: Which spinal cord region contains the most vertebrae?
Thoracic.
What is the term for the bundle of spinal nerves below the end of the spinal cord?
Cauda equina.
True or False: The spinal cord is shorter than the vertebral column.
True.
What is the function of the ventral root?
To carry motor information away from the spinal cord.
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is responsible for _____ and _____ reflexes.
voluntary; involuntary
What is the significance of the central canal in the spinal cord?
It contains cerebrospinal fluid.
Multiple choice: Which type of neuron is primarily found in the spinal cord?
Interneurons.
What are the two main types of matter in the spinal cord?
Gray matter and white matter.
True or False: The white matter of the spinal cord contains myelinated axons.
True.
What is the role of the spinal cord in the autonomic nervous system?
It regulates involuntary bodily functions.
Fill in the blank: Damage to the spinal cord can result in _____ or _____.
paralysis; loss of sensation
What is the role of spinal reflexes?
To enable quick responses to stimuli without involving the brain.
Multiple choice: Which condition is characterized by damage to the spinal cord?
Spinal cord injury.
What is the function of the ascending pathways in the spinal cord?
To carry sensory information to the brain.
True or False: The spinal cord is involved in processing sensory information.
True.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a protective covering around the spinal cord.
meninges
