Spinal Cord Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts related to spinal cord anatomy and the nervous system, facilitating review for the exam.

Foramen Magnum

The opening in the skull where the spinal cord connects with the brain.

Conus Medullaris

The tapering lower end of the spinal cord.

Filum Terminale

A pial extension from the conus medullaris to the back of the coccyx.

Spinal Cord Length

Approximately 45 cm in adults.

Dural Sac

An empty space surrounding the spinal cord that is about 25 cm long.

Disc Prolapse

A condition where a herniated disc compresses a nerve root.

Cauda Equina

A collection of lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal nerve roots located in the subarachnoid space.

Nerve Trunk

Formed by the union of the dorsal and ventral roots, which divides into anterior and posterior rami.

Spinal Segments

Defined as the portion of the spinal cord to which a pair of nerve roots is attached.

Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG)

A cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies located in the dorsal root of the spinal nerves.

Anterior Ramus

The ramus that supplies the skin and muscles of the front of the trunk and limbs.

Posterior Ramus

The ramus that supplies the skin and muscles of the back of the trunk.

Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) Injury

Injury type associated with the central nervous system affecting the conus medullaris.

Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) Injury

Injury type associated with the peripheral nervous system affecting the cauda equina.

Spinal Nerves Total Count

31 pairs consisting of 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal.

Nucleus Pulposus

The inner gelatinous core of an intervertebral disc.