Spinal Cord Function and Dysfunction Flashcards
what are the two enlargements of the spinal cord?
cervical- C3-T2, extra motor neurones go to muscles of upper back
lumbosacral- T11-L2 extra motor neurones for the muscles of the lower limbs
what would be affected if the spinal cord is severed below the lumbosacral region?
bladder and bowel control
what lesion would cause a loss of breathing ability?
C3-C5
what is paraplegia?
loss of voluntary control of the lower limbs
where is CSF sampled from?
the lumbar cistern
how does the growth of spinal cord compare to the vertebral column?
spinal cord stop developing early whilst vertebral column continues growing into adulthood
what are the three meningeal layers?
dura mater
arachnoid
pia mater
where is CSF found in the meninges?
in the subarachnoid space
what Pia mater protrusions tether the spinal cord?
denticulate ligaments
what is contained in the extradural space between the dura and the cranium?
what can be done in this area?
venous plexuses and fatty tissues
this space can be used to inject anaesthetic
name examples of tracts in the spinal cord
lateral corticospinal tract (motor) dorsal columns (sensory) spinothalamic tract (sensory)
what is the function of the lateral corticospinal tract?
fine movement
what is the function of the dorsal columns?
touch, vibration, pressure
what is the function of the spinothalamic tract?
pain and temperature
what is the 2 stage response to injury of the lateral corticospinal tract?
1) spinal shock
- loss of all reflex activity below the lesion level
- flaccid paralysis (no muscular tone)
2) hyperreflexia (return of reflexes)
- reflexes are over exaggerated
- rigid paralysis (high muscle tone) as motor neurones are activated by a lower threshold