spinal cord + spinal nerves (theory) Flashcards
proof of spinal cord-brain independent functioning
- the brain can still function if one is quadriplegic
- one can still have reflexes even if the brain is injured
spinal cord and brain interactions
- both can integrate and process information
- both can function with each other
- both can also function independently of each other
spinal cord general features
- 45 cm in length (18 in)
- passes through the foramen magnum
- ends between L1 and L2
- has enlargements
spinal cord regions
- cervical
- thoracic
- lumbar
- sacral
- coccygeal
spinal taps and spinal cord ending
the spinal cord ends between L1 and L2 of the lumbar region, spinal taps are done below L2 to prevent spinal injury because the meninges of the spinal cord continues past L2 and still contains some CSF
enlargements
bulges or collections of nerves coming off the the spinal cord
ex… cervical and lumbosacral enlargements
spinal cord anchoring
- crista gali
- filum terminale
the crista gali anchors the spinal cord (cephalically) and the filum terminale anchors it caudally
cauda equina
means “horse tail”
subarachnoid space
between the arachnoid and pia matters of the brain and spinal cord
CSF is present in this space in the spinal cord
filum terminale
this anchors the spinal cord caudally
the filum terminale eventually becomes a component of the coccygeal ligament
crista gali
the spinal cord dura matter is continuous with brain’s dura matter
the crista gali anchors the brain’s dura matter which by extension anchors the spinal cord
31 spinal segments consist of…
- dorsal root (horn)
- dorsal root ganglia
- ventral root (horn)
- spinal nerve
dorsal horn of grey matter
where all sensory information from the PNS enters the spinal cord
dorsal root ganglia
large bulbous part of the nerve that precedes the dorsal root and dorsal horn of the grey matter
differentiating the anterior spinal segment from the posterior
- dorsal horns (pointy)
- anterior median fissure
- posterior median sulcus
- dorsal root ganglia
- spinous process are posterior
spinal nerves (2x)
- sensory nerves (afferent)
- motor nerves (efferent)
spinal meninges
the spinal meninges is a membrane surrounding the spine that offers protection, stability and shock absorption
- pia
- arachnoid
- dura
denticulate ligaments
anchors the spinal cord from the sides
it anchors the pia to arachnoid and the dura
dura matter
tough fibrous material, outermost layer of the spinal meninges
provides crista gali and filum terminale anchoring of the spinal cord
arachnoid
middle layer, with spider like network
pia
delicate inner most layer of the spinal meninges
blood vessels are found in this layer
spinal cord blood supply
the sulci hides the blood vessels which are covered up by the pia matter
grey matter contents
- central canal
- cell bodies (somas)
- glial cells (neuroglia)