Spinal cord/ nerves

• What part of the nervous system does the spinal cord belong to?

  Central Nervous System (CNS)
• What are the primary functions of the spinal cord?

  Integration functions and communication to/from the brain
• What are spinal nerves part of?

  Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• From where does the spinal cord extend?

  From the foramen magnum to the level of the second lumbar vertebra
• How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?

  31 pairs
• What forms below the second lumbar vertebra?

  The cauda equina
• What is the purpose of the spinal cord enlargement?

  Where the nerves for the arms and legs join the spinal cord
• What is the function of the meninges?

  To surround and protect the spinal cord and brain
• What do the meninges separate?

  The spinal cord from the surrounding vertebrae

  
• What is the primary protective function of the meninges?

  Protection from mechanical damage
• What are the layers of the meningeal membrane?

  • Dura mater
  • Arachnoid mater
  • Pia mater

  
• What are the spaces associated with the meninges?

  • Epidural Space
  • Subdural Space
  • Subarachnoid Space

  
• What is the pia mater's relationship to the spinal cord?

  It is bound tightly to the spinal cord and brain
• What does the pia mater form to anchor the spinal cord?

  The filum terminale
• What is found in the subarachnoid space?

  Strands of arachnoid matter, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• What is the arachnoid mater described as?

  A thin, wispy layer of tissue
• What does the subdural space contain?

  A thin layer of serous fluid
• What does the dura mater form?

  A thecal sac surrounding the spinal cord
• What is the epidural space used for?

  Location for epidural anaesthetic
• At which levels are needles usually inserted in the subarachnoid space?

  L3/L4 or L4/L5 level
• What is spinal anaesthesia also known as?

  Spinal 'block'
• How does spinal anaesthesia compare to an epidural?

  It is faster and stronger than an epidural
• What is the purpose of a spinal tap or lumbar puncture?

  To drain a small amount of CSF and check for infection or blood
• What is a myelograph?

  Administration of a radioisotope for imaging purposes
• What are the main features of a cross-section of the spinal cord?

  • Two halves separated by the posterior median sulcus and anterior median fissure
  • White matter organized into 3 columns: ventral, dorsal, and lateral
  • Grey matter organized into horns: thin dorsal horn, thicker ventral horn, small lateral horns

  
• What are spinal cord tracts?

  Collections of axons in the CNS
• How do tracts differ from peripheral nerves?

  Tracts lack the myelination of peripheral nerves
• How are ascending and descending tracts grouped?

  According to the type of information they carry
• Where are sensory neurons located?

  In the dorsal root ganglion
• What do sensory neurons link with?

  Interneurons or ascend/descend in the white matter
• Where are somatic motor neurons located?

  In the ventral horn
• Where are autonomic motor neurons located?

  In the lateral horn
• What happens to descending neurons when damaged?

  Loss of motor function occurs
• What happens to ascending neurons when damaged?

  Loss of sensory function occurs
• How many spinal cord injuries occur annually in the U.S.?

  Around 10,000
• What is a concussion in relation to spinal cord injury?

  A blow to the spinal cord
• What is a contusion in relation to spinal cord injury?

  A hemorrhage in the cord
• What is a laceration in relation to spinal cord injury?

  A physical tear or cut of the cord
• How are spinal cord injuries classified?

  By the damaged vertebral level
• What can occur with damage at the C1-C5 vertebral level?

  It can lead to paralysis in all four limbs