Anatomy of the Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the anatomy of the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Cervical enlargement

An enlargement of the spinal cord that gives rise to nerves serving the upper limbs.

Lumbar enlargement

An enlargement of the spinal cord that gives rise to nerves serving the lower limbs.

Conus medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord.

Cauda equina

A collection of spinal nerves at the end of the spinal cord that resembles a horse's tail.

Dura mater

The outermost layer of the meninges that protects the spinal cord.

Arachnoid mater

The middle layer of the meninges, containing the subarachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Pia mater

The innermost layer of the meninges that clings tightly to the spinal cord.

Dorsal root ganglion

A collection of sensory neuron cell bodies located near the spinal cord.

Filum terminale

A fibrous extension of the pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Spinal plexus

A complex interwoven network of nerves formed by the ventral rami of spinal nerves.

Intercostal nerves

Nerves that emerge from the thoracic spinal nerves and innervate the muscles of the intercostal spaces.

Phrenic nerve

The major motor branch of the cervical plexus that innervates the diaphragm.

Sciatic nerve

The largest peripheral nerve in the body, which innervates the posterior thigh and divides into tibial and common fibular nerves.

Gray matter

The inner portion of the spinal cord containing cell bodies, unmyelinated axons, dendrites, and neuroglia.

White matter

The outer portion of the spinal cord organized into columns (funiculi) that contain tracts.

Dentate ligaments

Saw-tooth-like extensions of pia mater that secure the spinal cord to the dura mater.