The Spinal Cord: Lecture Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the spinal cord, its anatomy, functions, and injuries.

Spinal Cord Function

The spinal cord transmits sensations (afferent) and voluntary movement commands (efferent) to and from the brain.

Vertebral Canal

The location in which the spinal cord is housed, extending from the foramen magnum to the conus medullaris.

Foramen Magnum

The beginning point of the spinal cord, located at the base of the skull.

Conus Medullaris

The ending point of the spinal cord, typically at the L1-L2 vertebrae level.

Meningeal Layers

Three protective layers surrounding the spinal cord: pia, arachnoid, and dura mater.

Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG)

A collection of nerve cell bodies located in the dorsal root that serves sensory functions.

White Matter

The external area of the spinal cord composed of myelinated axons, divided into funiculi.

Gray Matter

The internal area of the spinal cord containing unmyelinated axons and nerve cell bodies.

Anterior Median Fissure

A groove on the anterior side of the spinal cord that houses the anterior spinal artery.

Lumbar Puncture

A medical procedure to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid, typically performed below the L2-L3 space.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury

An immediate response to trauma or stroke resulting in symptoms due to vascular or compression injury.

Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Long-term conditions such as infection, inflammation, tumors, or genetic disorders affecting the spinal cord.