Ch12. Spinal Cord & Spinal Nerves CHATGPT

Flashcards about the spinal cord and spinal nerves

Dura mater

The outermost of the three layers of the meninges

Arachnoid mater

The middle of the three layers of the meninges

Pia mater

The innermost of the three layers of the meninges

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the spinal cord and brain aiding in nutrient and waste exchange

Gray Matter

Processes information and handles reflex decisions (in the spinal cord)

White Matter

Carries sensory and motor signals up and down the spinal cord

Spinal Reflex

A fast, automatic response handled by the spinal cord without the brain

Cauda Equina

Bundle of spinal nerves below L2 that looks like a horse's tail

Plexus

A network of intersecting spinal nerves that mix and branch out to supply limbs

Cervical Plexus

Major nerve plexus that includes nerves in the neck

Brachial Plexus

Major nerve plexus in the shoulder area

Lumbar Plexus

Major nerve plexus in the lower back

Sacral Plexus

Major nerve plexus in the pelvis

Phrenic Nerve

Nerve that controls the diaphragm; from the cervical plexus (C3-C5)

Sciatic Nerve

Largest nerve in the body, arising from the sacral plexus

Anterior Ramus

Sends signals to the front of the body & limbs

What does the anterior ramus do?

Sends signals to the front of the body & limbs

What does the posterior ramus do?

Sends signals to the back muscles and skin

What is a dermatome?

A section of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve

Cervical

C1-C5

Neck, diaphragm (phrenic nerve)

Brachial plexus

spinal level C5- T1 Supplies Shoulders, arms