The Spinal Cord & Spinal Nerves

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the spinal cord and spinal nerves, designed to aid in exam preparation.

Spinal Cord

Located in the vertebral canal extending from just above the foramen magnum to between L1 and L2 vertebrae.

Meninges

Connective tissue membranes surrounding the spinal cord consisting of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Epidural space

Space filled with fat located outside the dura mater.

Conus medullaris

The cone-shaped end of the spinal cord.

Cauda equina

Bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve rootlets that resemble a horse's tail.

Gray matter

The butterfly-shaped region of the spinal cord containing neuron cell bodies.

White matter

Surrounds the gray matter and contains myelinated axons arranged in columns.

Reflex arc

The specific pathway followed by a nerve impulse during a reflex, involving five components.

Innate reflexes

Reflexes that are genetically or developmentally determined.

Acquired reflexes

Reflexes that are learned from previous experiences.

Somatic reflexes

Reflexes controlling skeletal muscle contractions.

Visceral (autonomic) reflexes

Reflexes controlling smooth and cardiac muscle actions or gland functions.

Monosynaptic reflex arc

A reflex pathway that has only one synapse in the central nervous system.

Polysynaptic reflex arc

A reflex pathway that has two or more synapses in the central nervous system.

Neuritis

Inflammation of nerves caused by injury, chemicals, or infection.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges.

Poliomyelitis

A viral infection affecting motor neurons, potentially leading to paralysis.

Monoplegia

Paralysis affecting one limb.

Paraplegia

Paralysis affecting both lower limbs.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis affecting all four limbs.