Spinal Cord Overview and Functions

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to the spinal cord's structure, function, and associated conditions.

Spinal Cord

Begins at the foramen magnum and ends as conus medullaris at L1 vertebra; provides two-way communication between the brain and the body.

Conus Medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord located at the L1 vertebra.

Filum Terminale

A fibrous extension from the conus medullaris that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Cauda Equina

A collection of nerve roots at the inferior end of the vertebral canal.

Dorsal Horn

Regions of gray matter in the spinal cord that contain interneurons receiving sensory input.

Ventral Horn

Regions of gray matter in the spinal cord containing somatic motor neurons.

Lateral Horn

Located only in thoracic and lumbar regions; contains sympathetic neurons.

Ascending Pathways

Neural pathways that transmit sensory information from the body to the brain.

Descending Pathways

Neural pathways that send motor commands from the brain to the body.

Pyramidal Tracts

Direct descending pathways involved in motor control.

Transection

Cross sectioning of the spinal cord at any level, leading to loss of motor and sensory function in regions below the cut.

Flaccid Paralysis

A condition caused by severe damage to ventral root or ventral horn cells, resulting in loss of muscle control.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A progressive disease resulting in the destruction of ventral horn motor neurons, leading to paralysis and loss of motor function.