The Spinal Cord

Question 1

what parts of the vertebrae have to be removed to open up the spinal canal?

Answer 1

lamina

Question 2

what muscles overlie the lamina of the vertebrae?

Answer 2

the deep and intermediate back muscles

Question 3

what other structures apart form the spinal cord and meninges lie in the spinal canal?

Answer 3

vasculature and epidural space
denticulate ligament

Question 4

at what vertebral level does the spinal cord terminate in:
a) adults
b) the new-born

Answer 4

a) L1/2
b) L3/4

Question 5

at what vertebral level do the following terminate:
a) dura mater
b) arachnoid mater

Answer 5

both terminate at S2

Question 6

what happens to the pia mater inferior to the spinal cord?

Answer 6

continues as filum terminale

Question 7

what occupies the space between the end of the spinal cord and the termination of the dura and arachnoid?

Answer 7

cauda equina- lumbar cistern

Question 8

at what vertebral level would you perform a lumbar puncture on an adult?

Answer 8

L3/4

Question 9

how many pairs of spinal nerves are there?

Answer 9

31 pairs

Question 10

what is the location of upper and lower motor neurons?

Answer 10

• upper motor neurons originate in the cerebral cortex and travel down to the brain stem or spinal cord.
• lower motor neurons begin in the spinal cord and go on to innervate muscles and glands throughout the body.

Question 11

is damage to the cauda equina classified as an upper or lower motor neurone lesion?

Answer 11

LOWER

Question 12

to what does the filum terminal attach distally?

Answer 12

coccyx