The Spinal Cord Flashcards
Between which two points does the spinal cord stop and start?
The FORAMEN MAGNUM»_space;> L1 OR L2 LUMBAR VERTEBRAE, terminates in the Conus Medullaris
Where is the Epidural Space?
Between the dura mater and the walls of the vertebral canal
What is the Subarachnoid Space?
Between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid
What is Cerebrospinal fluid?
Carries dissolved gasses, nutrients, wastes
Spinal taps withdraw CSF
What is white matter in the spinal cord?
- It is superficial
2. Contains mylinated and unmyleniated axons
What is gray matter in the spinal cord?
- Surrounds the central canal of the spinal cord
- Contains neuron cell bodies, neuroglia, unmyelinated axons
- has projections (gray horns)
Which gray matter ‘horns’ contains somatic and visceral sensory nuclei?
The posterior gray horns
Which gray matter ‘horns’ contain somatic motor nuclei?
The anterior gray horns
What segments have lateral horns and what types of nuclei do they contain?
- thoracic and lumbar segments
2. visceral and motor nuclei
What is a tract or fasciculi of the spinal cord?
It is a bundle of axons forming white columns relaying information in the same direction
What is the role of the ascending tracts of white matter?
Carrying info TO the brain (ascend = UP to the brain)
What is the role of the descending tracts of white matter?
Carrying motor commands to the spinal cord (descend DOWN from the brain. DO = command)
How many spinal nerves are there?
31 pairs
What does afferent mean?
sensory
What does efferent mean?
motor
