Spine Anatomy/ Cord tracts

Question 1

Where does spinal cord originate

Answer 1

At the causal end of the medulla oblongata at the foramen magnum

Question 2

Where does spinal cord end

Answer 2

Near L1 bony level at the conus medullaris

Question 3

Name 3 spinal tracts that can be assessed clinically?

Answer 3

1. Lateral corticospinal tract
2. Spinothalmic tract
3. Dorsal columns

*each is a paired tract that can be injured on one or both sides of cord

Question 4

Spinal cord tract located in the anterior & lateral segments of the cord

Answer 4

Corticospinal tract

Question 5

Spinal cord tract located in the anterolateral aspect of cord

Answer 5

Spinothalamic tract

Question 6

Spinal cord tract located in the posteriormedial aspect of the cord

Answer 6

Dorsal columns

Question 7

Controls motor power on the same side of the body

Answer 7

Corticospinal tract

Question 8

Transmits pain and temperature sensation from the opposite side of the body

Answer 8

Spinothalamic tract

Question 9

Carries position sense (proprioception), vibration sense, & some light-touch sensation from the same side of the body

Answer 9

Dorsal columns

Question 10

Method of testing corticospinal tract

Answer 10

By voluntary muscle contractions or involuntary response to painful stimuli

Question 11

Method of testing spinothalamic tract

Answer 11

Pinprick

Question 12

Method of testing dorsal columns

Answer 12

By position sense in the toes and fingers or vibration sense using a tuning fork

Question 13

Number of vertebrae: cervical, thoracic, lumbar

Answer 13

7, 12, 5 + sacrum & coccyx