3.1 Nervous System: Spinal Cord Topography

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the topography of the spinal cord and the nervous system.

Spinal Cord

The tubular structure composed of nervous tissue that connects the brain to the body, extending from the foramen magnum to the lumbar region.

Meninges

The protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord, consisting of three layers: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Dermatome

An area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve root.

Cervical Plexus

A network of nerves formed by the anterior rami of C1 to C4, responsible for sensory and motor innervation in the neck.

Lumbar Enlargement

A widened area of the spinal cord between L1 to L3 that supplies nerves to the lower limbs.

Conus Medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord, located at approximately the L1 vertebra.

Cauda Equina

A bundle of spinal nerves and roots extending from the conus medullaris, resembling a horse's tail.

Filum Terminale

A fibrous extension of the pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of mixed nerves that arise from the spinal cord and exit through the intervertebral foramen.

Anterior Spinal Artery

An artery that supplies blood to the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord.

Epidural Space

The space between the bony vertebral column and the dura mater that contains adipose tissue and blood vessels.

Dorsal and Ventral Roots

Dorsal roots carry sensory information to the spinal cord, while ventral roots carry motor information from the spinal cord.

Central Canal

A small channel within the spinal cord filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Gray Matter

The area within the spinal cord consisting of neuronal cell bodies, organized in an H-shaped arrangement.

White Matter

The area surrounding gray matter in the spinal cord, consisting of myelinated axons organized into tracts.

Adamkiewicz Artery

The great radicular artery that supplies blood to the lower portions of the spinal cord.