The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts essential for understanding the anatomy and physiology of the spinal cord, spinal nerves, and reflexes in preparation for the upcoming exam.

Spinal Cord

A bundle of nerves that communicates signals between the brain and the body, functioning autonomously.

Rami

Branches of spinal nerves that distribute to specific body regions.

Gray Matter

Region of the spinal cord containing neuron cell bodies, responsible for processing information.

White Matter

Region of the spinal cord composed of myelinated axons that carry information to and from the brain.

Meninges

Three protective membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain, consisting of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway through which a reflex occurs, including receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.

Stretch Reflex

A monosynaptic reflex that regulates skeletal muscle length in response to stretching.

Withdrawal Reflex

A polysynaptic reflex that causes a limb to retract away from harmful stimuli.

Crossed Extensor Reflex

A reflex that causes contraction of the extender muscle on the opposite side of the body in response to a painful stimulus.

Cervical Plexus

Nerve network formed from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C1 to C5, innervating the neck and diaphragm.

Brachial Plexus

Nerve network formed from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5 to T1, innervating the upper limb.

Lumbar Plexus

Nerve network formed from spinal nerves T12 to L4, innervating the lower trunk and limbs.

Sacral Plexus

Nerve network formed from spinal nerves L4 to S4, including the sciatic nerve.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, providing protection for the spinal cord.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle meningeal layer, which contains the subarachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, closely adhering to the surface of the spinal cord.

Neuronal Pool

Functional grouping of interconnected neurons that process specific information.

Neural Circuit

A connected pathway of neurons that process and relay information through various patterns.