Spinal Meninges and Spinal Cord

Question 1

meninges

Answer 1

the three connective tissue membranes (the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater) that line the skull and vertebral canal and enclose the brain and spinal cord

Question 2

dura mater

Answer 2

the outermost layer of the meninges and the strongest

Question 3

epidural space

Answer 3

area outside of the dura filled with fat and blood vessels; location of internal vertebral venous plexuses

Question 4

subdural space

Answer 4

are enclosed by dura, a potential space, filled with fluid which moistens the apposed surfaces of the dura arachnoid mater.

Question 5

arachnoid mater

Answer 5

the second layer under the dura mater; delicate trabeculated layer continuous with cranial arachnoid mater which enclosed the subarachnoid space (encloses CSF)

Question 6

subarachnoid space

Answer 6

space beneath the arachnoid mater which contains the CSF and is continuous with the cranial subarachnoid space

Question 7

pia mater

Answer 7

the 3rd layer beneath the arachnoid mater which is in direct contact with the spinal cord

Question 8

filum terminale

Answer 8

final extension of pia mater at end of spinal cord and anchors the end of the spinal cord

Question 9

coccygeal ligament

Answer 9

filum terminale and surrounding dura mater which attaches and anchors end of spinal cord to the periosteum of the coccyx

Question 10

conus medullaris

Answer 10

tapering lower part of the spinal cord at the level of the first lumbar segment (LV1-LV2)

Question 11

denticulate ligaments

Answer 11

lateral serrated row of fibrous bands from pia mater which pierce the arachnoid to attach to dura mater between nerve roots; aids in anchoring

Question 12

cauda equina

Answer 12

extensions of lower lumbar and sacral rootlets from the conus medullar, “horse’s tail”

Question 13

anterior spinal artery

Answer 13

single artery which courses in the ventral median fissure and is formed from both vertebral arteries. supplies anterior gray and white matter

Question 14

posterior spinal artery

Answer 14

arises as branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and courses along the dorsal root entry zone

Question 15

semental medullary arteries

Answer 15

arteries which connect the posterior and anterior spinal arteries via anastomotic connections and allows continuity of both.

Question 16

What main vessels supply the spinal cord?

Answer 16

anterior spinal a. and the posterior spinal arteries.

Question 17

What accessory vessels are necessary for the continuation of the anterior and posterior arteries and prevent ischemia of the spinal cord?

Answer 17

radicular arteries - supply dorsal and ventral roots

segmental medullary arteries - extend along roots to reach the spinal cord

Question 18

What segments of the spinal cord are most vulnerable to ishemia?

Answer 18

T1-T4 and L11