The spine Flashcards
In the spine, what are sacral nerves used for?
Motor and sensory function
Where do sacral nerves come out in the spine?
The conus
What are spinal tracts?
Ascending and descending pathways that carry information up and down the spine
What tract carries information down to the muscles?
Corticospinal tract
What tract carries information from the body to the brain?
Spinothalamic tract
What is the role of the peripheral motor nerve?
Directs reflexes from the spinal cord
What senses does the dorsal column carry to the brain?
Fine touch and proprioception
What senses does the spinothalamic tract carry?
Pain and temperature
How many vertebrae are in the spine?
33
What are the cervical vertebrae?
Support the weight of the head, nerves labelled C1-C7
What are the thoracic vertebrae?
Hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs
What are the lumbar vertebrae?
Bear the weight of the body
What are the sacrum vertebrae?
Connect the spine to the hip bones
What are the cockyx?
Provide attachment for ligaments and muscles on the pelvic floor
What are intervertebral discs?
Between each vertebra, are used to stop vertebrae from rubbing together
What is inside the spinal canal?
Spinal cord, fat, ligaments, and blood vessels
Where does the ventral spinal nerve carry information to?
From the brain to the body
Where does the dorsal spinal nerve carry information to?
Body to the brain
What is the name of the exit hole in the spine?
Intervertebral foramen
What is the pyramidal decussation?
When the fibres cross over
What body part is affected if the spinal cord is damaged?
Everything below the cord, above body parts are unaffected
What does damage to half of the spinal cord lead to?
Change in sensory areas of one arm and leg, and loss of temperature and pain in the other arm/leg
An issue in the frontal spinal cord might lead to what?
Change in motor function and temperature
What is central cord syndrome?
CSF canal expands and pushes on tissues. leads to pain and temperature disruption
