Lab 10

anatomy class

Cervical enlargment

The cervical enlargement is a region of the spinal cord that is enlarged to accommodate the increased number of nerves innervating the upper limbs. It extends from the fourth cervical vertebra to the first thoracic vertebra.

Conus medullaris

The conus medullaris is the tapered, terminal end of the spinal cord, typically located at the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra. It marks the transition from the spinal cord to the cauda equina, which contains the nerve roots for the lower limbs and pelvic organs.

Lumbar enlargemen

A region of the spinal cord that is enlarged to accommodate the nerves innervating the lower limbs, extending from the first to the fourth lumbar vertebra.

Cauda equina

The cauda equina is a bundle of spinal nerves and nerve roots located in the lower back, extending from the conus medullaris and innervating the pelvic organs and lower limbs.

Pia mater

The pia mater is the delicate innermost layer of the meninges that closely envelops the brain and spinal cord, providing support and nourishment.

arachnoid matter

Arachnoid mater is the middle layer of the meninges, situated between the dura mater and pia mater, and it surrounds the brain and spinal cord, playing a role in cerebrospinal fluid circulation.

dura matter

The dura mater is the tough outermost layer of the meninges that encases the brain and spinal cord, providing a protective barrier against physical injury and infection.

Subarachnoid space

The subarachnoid space is the area between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater that contains cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and spinal cord.

epidural fat pad

The epidural fat pad is a layer of fat located between the dura mater and the vertebral wall, serving as a protective cushion for the spinal cord and contributing to the overall stability of the spinal column.

anterior median fissure

The anterior median fissure is a deep groove that runs along the front of the spinal cord, dividing it into right and left halves. It contains blood vessels and is crucial for the organization of nerve fibers.

grey matter

The grey matter is a region of the central nervous system that contains neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses, playing a crucial role in processing information.

anterior horn

The anterior horn is a structure in the spinal cord that contains the cell bodies of motor neurons, which send out axons to innervate skeletal muscles.

dorsal roots

The dorsal roots are nerve roots that emerge from the spinal cord and carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

anterior funiculus

The anterior funiculus is a region of the spinal cord located between the anterior median fissure and the anterolateral sulcus, containing ascending and descending nerve tracts that facilitate communication between different parts of the nervous system.

dorsal root ganglion

The dorsal root ganglion is a cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies located just outside the spinal cord, responsible for transmitting sensory information from the periphery to the central nervous system.

posterior median sulcus

The posterior median sulcus is a groove that runs along the back of the spinal cord, separating the two halves of the posterior funiculus and serving as a landmark for spinal cord anatomy.

white matter

is the myelinated tissue in the spinal cord and brain, composed of axons that connect different neural pathways, facilitating communication between neurons.

central canal

The central canal is a narrow channel that runs through the center of the spinal cord, containing cerebrospinal fluid and helping to nourish the spinal cord and maintain its environment.

grey commisure

is a region of grey matter in the spinal cord that connects the two halves of the spinal cord and surrounds the central canal, facilitating communication between the left and right sides.

posterioir horn

is a region of grey matter in the spinal cord that contains sensory neurons and interneurons, processing incoming sensory information before relaying it to other regions.

lateral horn

is a region of grey matter in the spinal cord, primarily involved in autonomic functions, containing neurons that innervate visceral organs.

ventral roots

are bundles of motor neuron axons that exit the spinal cord, transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles.

posterior funiciculus

is a white matter region in the spinal cord that contains ascending sensory tracts.

lateral funiciculus

is a white matter region in the spinal cord that contains both ascending and descending tracts for sensory and motor pathways.

dorsal ramus

is a branch of a spinal nerve that innervates the muscles and skin of the back.

ventral ramus

is a branch of a spinal nerve that innervates muscles and skin of the anterior and lateral parts of the trunk and limbs.

schwann cell

is a type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system that produces myelin, which insulates nerve fibers and facilitates faster signal conduction.

axon collaterals

are branches of an axon that allow a single neuron to communicate with multiple target cells, enhancing signal transmission.