Support Structures, Spinal Cord & Spinal Nerves

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the anatomy and functions of the spinal cord, spinal injuries, and cerebral blood supply.

Cerebral Blood Supply

The network of arteries that supply blood to the brain, including major arteries such as the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries.

Circle of Willis

A circulatory anastomosis that supplies blood to the brain and surrounding structures, formed by the internal carotid and vertebral arteries.

Arterial Supply of the Cerebrum

The specific arteries that supply the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, including their respective major cerebral arteries.

Anterior Cerebral Artery

Supplies blood to the medial surfaces of the frontal lobes and superior medial parietal lobes.

Middle Cerebral Artery

Supplies blood to the lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres, including parts of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes.

Posterior Cerebral Artery

Supplies blood to the occipital lobe and the bottom part of the temporal lobe.

Cerebellar Arteries

Arteries that supply the cerebellum, originating from the basilar artery and vertebral arteries.

Spinal Cord Anatomy

The structure of the spinal cord, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal segments as well as the cauda equina.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the spinal cord and brain.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord that causes changes in its function, potentially resulting in loss of movement and sensation.

Paraplegia

Loss of movement or sensation in the lower half of the body due to spinal cord injury.

Quadriplegia

Loss of movement or sensation in all four limbs due to spinal cord injury.

Osmolarity

A measure of solute concentration in body fluids that can affect cells and bodily functions.

Circumventricular Organs

Special areas in the brain that have a weak blood-brain barrier, allowing them to detect changes in the blood.

Autonomic Nervous System

A self-regulating system that controls involuntary bodily functions; divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.

Dermatomes

Areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve root, important for assessing sensory function.

Lumbar Puncture

A medical procedure where fluid is extracted from the spinal canal for diagnostic purposes, typically performed in the lower back.

Dendrite

The branched projections of a neuron that act to conduct electrical impulses towards the cell body.