Spinal Cord Anatomy and Structures

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the anatomy of the spinal cord, including its structures, meningeal coverings, and associated features.

Spinal Cord

A long, tube-like structure that extends from the brainstem down the vertebral column, containing neural pathways.

Epidural Space

The space between the dura mater and the vertebral wall, filled with fat.

Pia Mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the surface of the spinal cord.

Meninges

The protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, including dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, characterized by a web-like structure.

Dura Mater

The tough outer layer of the meninges.

Subdural Space

The potential space between the dura mater and arachnoid mater.

Subarachnoid Space

The space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater, containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord that provides cushioning and protection.

Dorsal Root Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies in the dorsal root of a spinal nerve.

Spinal Meninges

The three membranes (dura, arachnoid, pia) that protect the spinal cord.

Dorsal Funiculus

A section of the spinal cord that contains sensory fibers.

Ventral Funiculus

A section of the spinal cord that carries motor fibers.

Lateral Funiculus

A section of the spinal cord that contains both motor and sensory pathways.

Gray Matter

The area of the spinal cord involved in processing information, consisting of neuronal cell bodies and synapses.

White Matter

The area of the spinal cord made up of myelinated nerve fibers that transmit signals.

Dorsal Horn

The portion of gray matter in the spinal cord responsible for processing sensory information.

Ventral Horn

The part of gray matter in the spinal cord containing motor neurons.

Lateral Horn

A region of gray matter in the spinal cord that contains autonomic motor neurons.

Gray Commissure

A region of gray matter that connects the two sides of the spinal cord.

Central Canal

The small, fluid-filled channel in the center of the spinal cord.

Dorsal Median Sulcus

A shallow groove that runs down the posterior side of the spinal cord.

Ventral Median Fissure

A deep groove running along the anterior side of the spinal cord.

Dorsal Root

The sensory pathway that carries information from the body to the spinal cord.

Ventral Root

The motor pathway that carries signals from the spinal cord to muscles.

Spinal Nerve

A mixed nerve that carries sensory and motor information to and from the spinal cord.

Dorsal Rootlets

The smaller fibers that branch off from the dorsal root.

Ventral Rootlets

The smaller fibers that branch off from the ventral root.

Cross Section of Spinal Cord

A perpendicular slice through the spinal cord to view its internal structures.

Funiculus

A bundle of nerve fibers in the spinal cord.

Spinal Structures

Anatomical components that comprise the spinal cord, including tracts and horns.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting them to limbs and organs.