SPINAL CORD AND BRAIN Flashcards
What are the functions of the spinal meninges
To protect the spinal cord from the bony vertebral column and vascularise the spinal cord
What is the cauda equina and why does it exist?
A bundle of long spinal nerves. The spinal cord ends at L1-2 because the vertebral column grows faster then the spinal cord. The cauda equina allows for the spinal nerves to extend down to the lower limbs.
Where is the epidural space
Between the dura mater and the periosteum. In this space is nerve roots supplying the pelvis and lower limbs
Why are there larger diameters at the cervical and lumbar areas of the spinal cords
To accomodate for the nerve inputs of the brachial and lumbosacral plexus.
Explain the neural pathway of movement without conscious thought
Sensory neurons relay to a motor neuron in the spinal cord via an interneuron. Therefore movement can be performed without conscious thought as the nerve information does not travel to the brain.
This is the case for the patellar and pain reflexes
What is the filum terminale
Not a nerve. It is a modified band of pia mater, 20 cm long
In between conus medullaris (end of spinal cord) and1st coccygeal bone.
Provides stability to spinal cord within vertebral canal
What are the differences between cranial and spinal nerves
Cranial: exit cranial cavity through foramina, relate to special senses
Spinal: (exception of C1) arise from spinal cord and exit via intervertebral foramina. 31 bilateral pairs that have both sensory and motor neurons
Why are there 8 cervical spinal nerves if there are only 7 cervical vertebrae
1st cervical nerve is superior to atlas (C1). The rest exit between vertebrae. Making 8 in total
What is the role of the intercostal nerves
Somatic nerves that control:
intercostal muscles
thoracic pleura
abdominal peritoneum
anterior abdominal wall muscles
Explain the characteristics of the median nerve
C6-T1: Lateral and medial cords
Motor:
Superficial and deep flexors of anterior forearm compartment
Some intrinsic hand muscles
Sensory skin:
Anterolateral surface of hand
Explain the characteristics of the ulnar nerve
C8 + T1 + C7: Medial cord
Motor: Some anterior forearm muscles Ulnar 1/2 flexor digitorum profundus Flexor carpi ulnaris Deep head of flexor pollicis brevis Intrinsic hand muscles
Sensory skin:
Medial edge of hand
Explain the characteristics of the radial nerve
C5-T1: Posterior cord
Motor:
Extensor muscles of posterior compartment of arm and forearm
Sensory skin:
Posterior arm and forearm
Dorsum of hand
Explain the characteristics of the femoral nerve
L2-L4
Motor:
Anterior thigh compartment
Hip flexors
Knee extensors (except Psoas major)
Sensory skin:
Over anteromedial surface of thigh
Medial surface of leg and foot
Explain the characteristics of the sciatic nerve
L4-S3
Motor:
Posterior thigh compartment by tibial division of sciatic nerve
Explain the characteristics of the common fibular nerve
Motor:
Deep part = anterior leg compartment (dorsiflexors)
Superficial part: Lateral leg compartment (eversion)
Short head of biceps femoris (Posterior thigh)
Sensory skin:
lateral leg
dorsum of foot and digits