Spinal cord and spinal nerves Flashcards
Where do spinal nerves exit their numbered vertebrae?
C1-C7 = cervical spinal n exit ABOVE their vertebrae
Below T1 = spinal n exit BELOW their vertebrae
What do grey matter and white matter contain?
Grey - cell bodies
White - axons of neurons
What type of neurons are present in the dorsal, lateral and ventral horns?
Dorsal - sensory
Lateral - autonomic
Ventral - Motor
What is the blood supply of the spinal cord?
1 x Anterior and 2 x posterior spinal arteries
Arise from vertebral arteries
What would happen if the segmental arteries (arising from the vertebral a.) supplying the inferior part of the spinal cord is blocked?
Result in ischaemic damage to the spinal cord
Where do spinal nerves emerge from the vertebrae?
Via the intervertebral canal
What type of nerves do spinal nerves contain?
Mixed nerves
What is the venous drainage of the spinal cord?
Vertebral venous plexus - Valveless veins form a rich plexus around the spinal cord and within the epidural space -> pass into cranium and vertebral bodies
What pathology can happen as a result of the vertebral venous plexuses communicating with the pelvic veins?
Form a route for cancer spread (e.g. prostate) into the vertebral bodies
What could occur if the posterior ramus was compressed/injury?
Cause localised back pain
What is the common level of adult spinal cord termination?
L1
What is the common level of end of subarachnoid space?
Lower S1-S2
If the L4-L5 disc prolapses, what spinal nerve does it affect?
L5 spinal nerve
How is a lumbar puncture carried out?
VC is flexes to open up space between adjacent spinous process (patient - lying/sitting, knees up to chest)
Midline needle insertion - penetrate skin, supra/infra spinous lig. and ligamentum flavum
What levels is spinal anaesthesia prerformed?
Between L3-L4 to L5-S1 space
