Spinal Cord & Spinal Nerves

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Meninges

Three fibrous membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, adheres to the dura mater.

Pia Mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges, follows contours of spinal cord.

Epidural Space

The space between the dura mater and the vertebrae.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid found in the subarachnoid space that helps cushion the brain and spinal cord.

Ascending Pathways

Nerve pathways that carry sensory information to the brain.

Descending Pathways

Nerve pathways that carry motor information from the brain to the body.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Monosynaptic Reflex Arc

A reflex arc that involves only two neurons, an afferent neuron and an efferent neuron.

Polysynaptic Reflex Arc

A reflex arc that involves one or more interneurons between the afferent and efferent neurons.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of mixed nerves that arise from the spinal cord.

Dermatome

A specific area of skin that conveys sensory input to a particular spinal nerve.

Nerve Plexus

Networks of intersecting spinal nerves that supply specific body regions.

Cauda Equina

A bundle of nerve roots that arise from the lower end of the spinal cord.

Stretch Reflex

A reflex that prevents muscle overstretching by contracting the muscle when it is stretched.

Reciprocal Inhibition

A reflex phenomenon that prevents muscles from working against each other.

Intersegmental Reflex

A reflex where input and output occur at different levels of the spinal cord.

Crossed Extension Reflex

Contraction of extensor muscles in the opposite limb when one limb withdraws.

Hypothalamus

The region of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, hunger, and circadian rhythms.