Organization of the Spinal Cord

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering gross anatomy, meningeal coverings, clinical procedures, developmental growth patterns, and cross-sectional internal anatomy of the spinal cord.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The division of the nervous system consisting of the cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and their branches.

Spinal Cord

A central nervous system structure that meets the medulla oblongata at the foramen magnum, ends at the L1-L2 vertebrae level, provides two-way communication between the PNS and the brain, and acts as an autonomic reflex center.

Meninges

Three connective tissue layers that cover the spinal cord and brain to provide protection.

Dura Mater

The tough, thick superficial layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

The spiderweb-like middle layer of the meninges that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Pia Mater

The thin, delicate deep layer of the meninges that directly covers the spinal cord and attaches capillaries.

Meningitis

Infection and inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can be viral or bacterial.

Cervical Region (Spinal Cord)

The superior region of the spinal cord that is continuous with the medulla oblongata, exits through the foramen magnum, and ends at the C7 vertebra region.

Thoracic Region (Spinal Cord)

The region of the spinal cord located inferior to the cervical region that ends at the T9 vertebra region.

Conus Medullaris

The conical inferior terminal end of the spinal cord located at the L1-L2 vertebral level.

Cauda Equina

A collection of nerves that project inferiorly from the end of the spinal cord and pass through the sacral canal and foramina.

Lumbar Puncture

A procedure in which a needle is inserted between the vertebrae into the subarachnoid space to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or inject medication or diagnostic substances.

Epidural

A medical procedure in which anesthesia is injected directly into the epidural space.

Gray Matter

Nervous tissue in the central nervous system composed primarily of neuron cell bodies and short nonmyelinated neurons.

White Matter

Nervous tissue in the central nervous system composed mostly of myelinated axons (with some nonmyelinated axons) that carry sensory information toward the brain and motor information away from the brain.

Central Canal

The hollow center of the spinal cord that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is continuous superiorly with the fourth ventricle.

Gray Commissure

The central bridge of internal gray matter that encloses the central canal and connects the right and left gray horns.

Ventral (Anterior) Gray Horn

The anterior projection of internal gray matter in the spinal cord that contains somatic motor neuron cell bodies.

Lateral Gray Horn

The lateral projection of internal gray matter in the spinal cord that contains visceral (autonomic) motor neuron cell bodies.

Dorsal (Posterior) Gray Horn

The posterior projection of internal gray matter in the spinal cord that contains somatic and visceral sensory cell bodies.

Ventral (Anterior) Median Fissure

The deep groove separating the anterior right and left halves of the spinal cord.

Dorsal (Posterior) Median Sulcus

The narrow shallow groove separating the posterior right and left halves of the spinal cord.