Spinal cord Flashcards
What is the artery of Adamkiewicz?
Supplies lower 1/3 of the spinal cord. Typically arises from left posterior intercostal artery (70%). Also known as major anterior segmental medullary artery.
What is anterior spinal artery syndrome?
Loss of urinary and/or fecal continence. Impaired motor function of legs/spasticity.
What is the gracile tubercle?
Located in the medulla oblongata, the gracile nucleus is one of the dorsal column nuclei that participate in the sensation of fine touch and proprioception of the lower body (legs and trunk). It contains second-order neurons of the posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway.
What is the conus medullaris?
The most distal bulbous part of the spinal cord is called the conus medullaris, and its tapering end continues as the filum terminale.
What is the filum terminale?
The filum terminale (“terminal thread”) is a delicate strand of fibrous tissue, about 20 cm in length, proceeding downward from the apex of the conus medullaris. It is one of the modifications of pia mater.
Where is the level of epidural injections?
L3/L4 or L4/L5 vertebral level.
Where is the supracristal line?
Passes through the body of L4.
What is the lumbar cistern?
The lumbar cistern refers to the subarachnoid space in the lower lumbar spinal canal. The cistern is an enlargement of the subarachnoid space in the dural sac, distal to the conus medullaris.
What is synaptic transmission?
Chemical transmission between excitable cells.
What is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?
An EPSP brings the post-synaptic membrane closer to threshold (depolarisation), therefore increasing the probability of the postsynaptic cell producing an action potential.
What is an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?
An IPSP moves the post-synaptic membrane further away from threshold (hyperpolarisation), therefore reducing the probability of the postsynaptic cell producing an action potential.
What is spinal shock?
Temporary suppression of all reflex activity below the level of injury. Occurs immediately after injury. Babinski sign is one of the first reflexes to reappear as spinal shock subsides.
What is distributive shock?
is a medical condition in which abnormal distribution of blood flow in the smallest blood vessels results in inadequate supply of blood to the body’s tissues and organs.
What is neurogenic shock?
The body’s response to sudden loss of sympathetic control. Occurs in people who have SCI above T6 (>50% loss of sympathetic innervation). Clinical triad of: hypotension, bradycardia and hypothermia.
What is the stretch reflex?
Acts to maintain a constant muscle length and control muscle tone.
