6.1.1.2 Spinal Cord

• What is the name of the structure labeled "Ventral horn" in the image?

  Ventral horn
• What is the name of the structure labeled "Sensory neuron soma" in the image?

  Sensory neuron soma
• What is the name of the structure labeled "Ventral root" in the image?

  Ventral root
• What is the primary function of white matter compared to gray matter in the spinal cord?

  White matter transmits signals rapidly, gray matter processes locally
• What is the functional difference between the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord?

  • Dorsal horn contains sensory neuron cell bodies that receive sensory information from the body
  • Ventral horn contains motor neuron cell bodies that send motor signals to muscles
• What are the key structures surrounding the spinal cord?

  • Spinal cord
  • Pia mater
  • Arachnoid mater
  • Dura mater
• What is the name of the structure labeled "Dorsal root ganglion" in the image?

  Dorsal root ganglion
• What are the components of a reflex arc?

  1. Sensory receptor detects stimulus
  2. Sensory neuron sends signal to spinal cord
  3. Interneuron processes signal in gray matter
  4. Motor neuron transmits signal to muscles
  5. Muscle responds
• What is the structure labeled as "Pia mater"?


  Pia mater
• What is the main communication pathway between the brain and the body?

  The spinal cord
• What is the significance of the distinct sections of the spinal cord?

  Each section serves specific body regions
• What does sensory loss mean?

  Inability to feel stimuli
• What protects the spinal cord?

  The vertebral column
• What does autonomic dysfunction affect?

  Bodily functions like blood pressure
• What are the three layers of meninges surrounding the spinal cord?

  • Dura mater: Tough outer layer
  • Arachnoid mater: Middle layer with web-like structure
  • Pia mater: Innermost layer directly on the spinal cord
• What is the goal of rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries?

  To restore function and independence
• What do ascending tracts in the spinal cord carry?

  Sensory information to the brain
• How do the functions of white matter and gray matter differ in the spinal cord?

  White matter transmits signals; gray matter processes reflexes
• What are the characteristics of white matter in the spinal cord?

  • Outer layer
  • Composed of myelinated axons
  • Function: Rapid signal transmission
• What is a third effect of spinal cord injury?

  Autonomic dysfunction
• What are the sections of the spinal cord?

  • Cervical
  • Thoracic
  • Lumbar
  • Sacral
• What is another effect of spinal cord injury?

  Sensory loss
• What are the characteristics of gray matter in the spinal cord?

  • Inner butterfly shape
  • Composed of cell bodies and synapses
  • Function: Local processing
• How do sensory neurons enter the spinal cord?

  Through dorsal roots
• What are the main sections and nerve groups of the spinal cord?

  • Cervical (8 nerve pairs)
  • Thoracic (12 nerve pairs)
  • Lumbar (5 nerve pairs)
  • Sacral (5 nerve pairs)
  • Cauda equina
• How do the dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal cord differ in their functions?

  • Dorsal root contains sensory nerve fibers that carry information from the body to the spinal cord
  • Ventral root contains motor nerve fibers that carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles
• What part of the nervous system manages reflexes?

  Spinal cord
• What are the two distinct regions of the spinal cord?

  White matter and gray matter
• What is the dura mater?

  The tough outer layer of the meninges
• How many nerve pairs are in the Lumbar section of the spinal cord?

  5 nerve pairs
• How do the layers of meninges contribute to spinal cord protection?

  They absorb shocks and cushion the spinal cord
• Why are the meninges important for the spinal cord?

  They help keep the spinal cord safe from injury
• What is the role of the motor neuron in a reflex arc?

  • Transmits signal to muscles
  • Causes muscle response
• How do motor neurons exit the spinal cord?

  Through ventral roots
• What is the spinal cord a part of?

  Central nervous system (CNS)
• What is the structure labeled as "Dura mater"?

  Dura mater
• Where does the spinal cord run down?

  Within the vertebral column
• What are the two main functions of the spinal cord?

  Transmitting nerve signals and processing reflexes
• What do descending tracts in the spinal cord carry?

  Motor commands from the brain
• What are reflexes?

  Automatic responses to stimuli