The Spinal Cord Flashcards
The spinal cord passes through the __________.
foramen magnum
The conus medullaris is the tapering point at the end of the spinal cord. It is located at approximately __________.
L 1/ L 2
The tail end of the spinal cord is not “hanging loose.” It is actually anchored via the __________, which connects to the coccyx bone.
filum terminale
How many plexus groups branch off the spinal cord?
4
What region of the spinal cord is NOT involved with a plexus formation?
thoracic
The cauda equina are nerves that branch off the spinal cord in which of the following areas?
inferior end
What is the name of the structures that hold the spinal cord in position within the vertebral foramen?
denticulate ligaments
What roots transmits information from the spinal cord to the extremities of the body?
ventral roots
Fasciculi are bundles of nerve tracts associated with __________.
the white matter of the spinal cord
The spinal cord consists of ascending tracts of axons and descending tracts of axons. What is most correct in reference to those tracts?
Both tracts are found in the white matter. The ascending tract transmits sensory information while the descending tracts transmit motor information.
What region of the spinal cord contains motor neurons that direct the movement of skeletal muscles?
Anterior horn
What are the names of the descending and ascending tract of the spinal cord?
Motor is descending tract
Sensory is ascending tract
Define spinothalamic tract
It extends from the spinal cord to the brain
sensory for pain and temperature
Define corticospinal tract
extends from the cortex of the brain to the spinal cord
motor for voluntary control of skeletal muscles
Define the posterior column tracts
afferent tracts that convey nerve impulses for touch, light, pressure, vibration.
