Principles of Anatomy and Physiology: The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts about the spinal cord and spinal nerves from the lecture notes.

Spinal Cord

The component of the central nervous system (CNS) that is continuous with the brain and processes reflexes, integrates EPSPs and IPSPs, and conducts sensory and motor impulses.

Reflexes

Quick, automatic responses to certain stimuli that involve the spinal cord and spinal nerves only.

EPSP (Excitatory Post-Synaptic Potential)

A graded potential that makes a neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

IPSP (Inhibitory Post-Synaptic Potential)

A graded potential that makes a neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that provides shock absorption and is found in the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater.

Dura Mater

The most superficial layer of the meninges, a strong thick layer of dense irregular connective tissue.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges that resembles a spider web and contains a space filled with interstitial fluid.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges that adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord, containing blood vessels.

Conus Medullaris

The conical structure formed by the termination of the spinal cord, located at the level of the intervertebral discs between L1 and L2.

Cauda Equina

A bundle of nerve roots that resemble a 'horse's tail', located below the termination of the spinal cord.

Dermatomes

Areas of skin that are innervated by specific spinal nerves; overlap occurs so damage to a single nerve doesn't completely eliminate sensation.

Monosynaptic Reflex

A reflex arc that involves only one synapse between the sensory and motor neurons.

Polysynaptic Reflex

A reflex arc that includes one or more interneurons between sensory and motor neurons.

Reciprocal Innervation

A neural circuit that coordinates the contraction of one muscle while simultaneously relaxing its antagonist.

Stretch Reflex

A reflex that causes muscle contraction in response to stretching.

Tendon Reflex

A reflex causing relaxation of a muscle attached to a stimulated tendon to prevent injury.

Flexor (Withdrawal) Reflex

A reflex that involves the withdrawal of a limb in response to a painful stimulus.

Crossed-Extensor Reflex

A reflex that helps maintain balance during a flexor withdrawal reflex by activating muscles on the opposite side.

Spinal Nerves

Pairs of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord and connect it to sensory receptors, muscles, and glands.

Connective Tissue Coverings of Spinal Nerves

The protective layers surrounding spinal nerves: endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium.