Spinal Cord Flashcards
What is the primary function of the spinal cord?
To transmit nerve 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 is protected by the _____ vertebrae.
vertebral
What are the two main types of fibers found in the spinal cord?
Motor fibers and sensory fibers.
Multiple Choice: How many segments does the spinal cord have?
31 segments
What is the name of the protective covering surrounding the spinal cord?
Meninges
True or False: The spinal cord extends down to the coccyx.
False
What is the structure at the end of the spinal cord called?
Conus medullaris
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is divided into _____ regions.
five
What is the role of the dorsal root in the spinal cord?
To carry sensory information to the spinal cord.
Multiple Choice: Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for reflex actions?
Gray matter
What is the function of the ventral root?
To carry motor information away from the spinal cord.
True or False: The spinal cord can regenerate after injury.
False
What is the term for the area where spinal nerves exit the spinal cord?
Intervertebral foramen
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is roughly _____ centimeters long in adults.
45
What is the significance of the cauda equina?
It is a bundle of spinal nerves that continue below the spinal cord.
Multiple Choice: Which spinal cord segment is responsible for the lower limbs?
Lumbar region
What type of reflex is mediated by the spinal cord?
Spinal reflexes
True or False: The spinal cord operates independently of the brain.
True
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is made up of _____ and white matter.
gray
What is the term for the protective sheath around individual spinal nerves?
Epineurium
Multiple Choice: Which part of the spinal cord contains the cell bodies of motor neurons?
Anterior horn
What is the primary role of the ascending pathways in the spinal cord?
To carry sensory information to the brain.
True or False: The spinal cord is segmented.
True
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord begins at the _____.
medulla oblongata
What is a common condition that affects the spinal cord?
Spinal cord injury
Multiple Choice: Which part of the central nervous system is responsible for higher functions like thought and memory?
Brain
