Cross Section of the Spinal Cord

These flashcards cover the key anatomical structures and definitions related to the cross section of the spinal cord.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges that clings directly to the surface of the spinal cord.

Subarachnoid Space

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

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, located between the pia mater and the dura mater.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, which has two layers: the meningeal layer and the periosteal layer.

Epidural Space

The space outside the dura mater that contains fat and blood vessels.

Central Canal

The channel that runs through the spinal cord which contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Anterior Gray Horn

Part of the spinal cord composed of unmyelinated cell bodies that control skeletal muscles.

Posterior Gray Horn

Region of the spinal cord that contains cell bodies receiving peripheral sensations.

Dorsal Root Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies in the dorsal root that contains sensory neurons.

Ventral Ramus

The branch of spinal nerves that carries motor and sensory signals to the front limbs and trunk.

Dorsal Ramus

The branch of spinal nerves that carries signals to the back and neck.

Circle of Willis

A circular network of arteries at the base of the brain formed by the fusion of the vertebral arteries and the basilar artery.