Spinal Cord Flashcards
Paralysis following spinal cord injury
Where does the spinal cord begin
What is it continuous with at its origin
Begins at foramen magnum
Continuous with medulla
Diameter and length of the spinal cord
Diameter = 1-1.5cm
Length = 45cm
Hence occupies upper 2/3rd of vertebral canal of vertebral column
Where does the spinal cord terminate in
- Adults
- Children
Why does the spinal cord terminate before the vertebral column
- L1-L2 in adults
- Near L3 in young child
Rate of growth of bone (vertebral column) tissue is faster than the rate of growth of nerve tissue
Hence lumbar cistern below termination point
How the 3 meningeal layers transfer to spinal cord
What anchors the spinal cord in its position
Denticulate ligament
A continuation of pia mater
Name and indentify where there are enlargements in the spinal cord
- Cervical enlargement - origin to brachial plexus (C3-T2)
- Lumbar enlargement - origin to lumbosacral plexus (L1-S3)
Name the most inferior structure of the spinal cord
Spinal cord tapers off into CONUS MEDULLARIS
What is the cauda equina
Extension of bundle of nerve roots beyond the cord
What is the filum terminale
A prolongation of pia mater
Descends from conus medullaris to attach to coccyx (anchor)
Dissections of conus medullaris, cauda equina, meningeal layers and filum terminale
What opening do nerves pass through
Intervertebral foramina
Transverse section of spinal cord
How to distinguish the dorsal (sensory) root from the ventral (motor) root
Sensory ganglia - swelling
* Dorsal root ganglion
Dorsal/posterior roots are _______
Sensory
Ventral/anterior roots are ________
Motor
How is each root attached to the cord
By a series of rootlets