Spinal Cord And Nerves 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
What are the two main types of spinal nerves?
Cervical and lumbar spinal nerves.
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is protected by the _____ vertebrae.
vertebral
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the human body?
31 pairs
What is the term for the lower tapered end of the spinal cord?
Conus medullaris
Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for reflex actions?
The spinal reflex arc
Name the three protective membranes that surround the spinal cord.
Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
What is the role of the dorsal root of a spinal nerve?
To carry sensory information to the spinal cord.
True or False: The spinal cord extends from the base of the skull to the lumbar region.
True
What is the function of the ventral root of a spinal nerve?
To carry motor commands from the spinal cord to the muscles.
Which type of neuron transmits sensory information?
Afferent neurons
What is the cauda equina?
A bundle of spinal nerves and nerve roots located below the conus medullaris.
What is the significance of the cervical enlargement?
It supplies nerves to the upper limbs.
How many cervical spinal nerves are there?
8 cervical spinal nerves
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the outermost layer of the meninges.
dura mater
Which spinal cord segment is associated with the lower limbs?
Lumbar and sacral segments
What is the central canal of the spinal cord filled with?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
True or False: The spinal cord is responsible for voluntary movements only.
False
What is the difference between gray matter and white matter in the spinal cord?
Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies, while white matter contains myelinated axons.
What is the role of the intervertebral discs?
To provide cushioning and support between vertebrae.
How does the spinal cord communicate with peripheral nerves?
Through spinal nerves that branch off from the spinal cord.
What is the function of the spinal reflex?
To allow for quick responses to stimuli without direct involvement of the brain.
Which spinal nerves are associated with the brachial plexus?
C5 to T1 spinal nerves
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in relation to the spinal cord?
It prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.
What does the term ‘dermatome’ refer to?
An area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve root.
Fill in the blank: The _____ reflex is a protective reflex that withdraws a limb from a painful stimulus.
withdrawal
What is the primary neurotransmitter used in motor neuron communication?
Acetylcholine
How many thoracic spinal nerves are there?
12 thoracic spinal nerves
True or False: The spinal cord continues to grow in length throughout adulthood.
False
What does the term ‘spinal tap’ refer to?
A procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal.
Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for voluntary muscle movement?
Somatic nervous system
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?
To regulate involuntary bodily functions.
What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Fill in the blank: The spinal cord is approximately _____ cm long in adults.
45
What is the function of the cerebrospinal fluid?
To cushion and protect the brain and spinal cord.
What is the role of the lumbar plexus?
To supply nerves to the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs.
True or False: The spinal cord does not have the ability to regenerate after injury.
True
What is the primary purpose of spinal reflexes?
To enable quick responses to stimuli.
How many sacral spinal nerves are there?
5 sacral spinal nerves
What is the significance of the thoracic enlargement?
It supplies nerves to the trunk and upper limbs.
What is the anatomical term for the ‘neck’ region of the spinal cord?
Cervical region
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the part of the spinal cord that contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons.
dorsal root ganglion
What is the role of the spinal cord in homeostasis?
To coordinate and regulate bodily functions.
True or False: Each spinal nerve contains both sensory and motor fibers.
True
