Study Question Nine

• Q9. Describe the ways that the spinal cord is protected and nourished, include the types of cells involved and special considerations of the health of the spinal cord.
• Spinal cord protected by:

  • Vertebral Column
  • Meninges
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid
• Spinal cord nourished by:

  • Blood Supply
  • Astrocytes
  • Ependymal Cells
• Vertebral Column: The bony structure of the vertebral column surrounds and shields the spinal cord from physical injury.
• Meninges: Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater) encase the spinal cord, providing additional protection against trauma and infection.
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): The CSF circulates in the subarachnoid space, cushioning the spinal cord and absorbing shock, while also helping to remove waste products.
• Blood Supply: The spinal cord receives blood from anterior and posterior spinal arteries, which deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for neuronal health.
• Astrocytes: These glial cells play a vital role in supporting neurons, maintaining the blood-brain barrier, and regulating the extracellular environment, which is crucial for spinal cord health.
• Ependymal Cells: Located in the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord, ependymal cells produce and circulate CSF, contributing to the nourishment and waste removal of spinal cord cells.
• Describe the ways that the spinal cord is protected and nourished, include the types of cells involved and special considerations of the health of the spinal cord.

  The spinal cord is protected by various structures including the vertebral column which is the bony structure surrounding and shielding the spinal cord, the meninges of three protective membranes, and the cerebrospinal fluid circulating the space to provide a cushion for shock absorption.
• Describe the ways that the spinal cord is protected and nourished, include the types of cells involved and special considerations of the health of the spinal cord.


  Nourishment to the spinal cord comes in various forms such as blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients, astrocytes supporting neurons by maintaining the blood brain barrier as well as regulating the extracellular environment, and ependymal cells that produce and circulate the cerebrospinal fluid.
• Describe the ways that the spinal cord is protected and nourished, include the types of cells involved and special considerations of the health of the spinal cord.



  Maintaining the health of the spinal cord is vital, as it is a key role in nutrient supply and the nervous system.
• Source

  • Chapter Fourteen: Page 361, Section 14.2 Spinal Meninges
  • Chapter Sixteen: Page 410, Section 16.2 Protection and Support of the Brain
  • Chapter Thirteen: Page 342-343, Section 13.3 Neuroglia
• Meninges

  • Dura mater consists of dense irregular connective tissue. Tough outermost layer of the meninges that provides protection and support to the brain and spinal cord.
  • Arachnoid mater consists of collagen and elastin fibers and cerebrospinal fluid. Middle layer of the meninges that acts as a barrier, cushioning the central nervous system.
  • Pia mater consists of a delicate layer of loose connective tissue. Delicate innermost layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord, supplying them with blood vessels and nutrients.
• Meninges Extra

  • Epidural Adipose: Tissue serves as a cushioning, protects spinal cord and provides space for blood vessels in epidural space
  • Denticulate Ligaments: Fibrous structures that anchor spinal cord to the dura mater, stabilize it within vertebral canal
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): Cushion for brain and spinal cord, providing buoyancy and serving as a medium for nutrient transport and waste removal
  • Subarachnoid Space: Area between arachnoid mater and pia mater filled with cerebrospinal fluid, allows for circulation and protection to central nervous system