Spinal Cord Anatomy and Function

Flashcards covering the anatomy and function of the spinal cord, including its protection, longitudinal and cross-sectional anatomy, spinal pathways, ascending and descending tracts, and related clinical conditions such as spina bifida.

What provides space for the spinal cord?

The vertebral foramen.

What are the three meninges that surround the spinal cord?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

What does the epidural space contain?

Areolar and adipose tissue.

Where is CSF removed from during a spinal tap?

The subarachnoid space around L2.

What is the bundle of nerve roots that extend from the conus medullaris called?

Cauda equina.

What is the extension of pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx?

Filum terminale.

What surrounds the butterfly-shaped gray matter in the spinal cord?

White matter (tracts).

What are the regions that white matter is organized into?

Funiculi.

In the spinal cord, what integrates sensory neurons?

The dorsal horn.

In the spinal cord, what integrates motor neurons?

The ventral horn.

In the spinal cord, what connects the left and right sides of the gray matter?

The gray commissure.

Which root contains incoming sensory neurons?

Posterior root.

Which root contains outgoing motor neurons?

Anterior root.

What is the spinal nerve?

A fusion of anterior and posterior roots (mixed nerves).

How many neurons are the ascending (sensory) pathways composed of?

3

Where do the upper motor neurons originate in the corticospinal descending pathway?

Primary motor cortex (and premotor cortex).