Spinal Cord Anatomy and Meninges (Lecture Pages 75–87)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical terms, structures, and functions related to the meninges, spinal cord, and spinal nerves from lecture pages 75–87.

Location of the Epidural Space

Between the vertebral canal walls and the dura mater.

Components found within the Epidural Space

Fat, connective tissue, and a venous plexus.

Main function of the Epidural Space

To cushion the spinal cord.

What are the three protective membranes around the CNS?

Meninges.

Name the three meninges from superficial to deep.

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

Meninges

Three protective membranes around the CNS: dura mater (outer), arachnoid mater (middle), and pia mater (inner).

Describe the texture of the dura mater.

Tough and collagenous.

What is the extent of the dura mater inferiorly?

From the foramen magnum to mid-S2.

What is the characteristic of the inner surface of the dura mater?

Smooth.

Dura Mater

Tough collagenous outer meninge extending from the foramen magnum to mid-S2; smooth inner surface.

Subdural Space

Narrow space between dura mater and arachnoid mater containing just enough fluid to keep the membranes moist.

Subdural Hematoma

Accumulation of blood within the subdural space.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle meninge; inner surface sends spider-web-like trabeculae through the subarachnoid space to the pia mater.

Subarachnoid Space

Region between arachnoid and pia containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid in the subarachnoid space that bathes and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Pia Mater

Thin, delicate innermost membrane tightly adherent to the spinal cord and nerve roots; permeable to CSF.

Cervical Enlargement

Widened portion of the spinal cord in the cervical region where brachial plexus roots emerge.

Thoracic Region of Spinal Cord

Section where the cord becomes thinner and rounder as it descends through the thorax.

Lumbar Enlargement

Second expansion of the spinal cord in the lumbar area before it tapers.

Conus Medullaris

Terminal tapered end of the spinal cord, usually ending at vertebral levels L1–L2.

Filum Terminale

Tough thread-like extension of pia mater continuing from the conus medullaris to anchor the cord.

Cauda Equina

Bundle of distal spinal nerve roots surrounding the conus medullaris and filum terminale.

Spinal Nerves

31 paired mixed sensory and motor nerves emerging from the spinal cord.

Cervical Spinal Nerves

Eight pairs (C1–C8) that exit above their corresponding cervical vertebrae.

Thoracic Spinal Nerves

Twelve pairs (T1–T12) that exit below their corresponding thoracic vertebrae.

Lumbar Spinal Nerves

Five pairs (L1–L5) that exit below the lumbar vertebrae.