Spinal Cord

Question 1

Spinal Cord

Answer 1

• Functions to coordinate motor information and movement patterns while providing sensory information between the brain and the peripheral nervous system
• Has the same protective meningeal covering as the brain

Question 2

Cervical, Throacic, and Lumbar Segements

Answer 2

• Inside the vertebral column, extends to approximately L1

Question 3

Connus Medullaris

Answer 3

• Sacral spinal segments

Question 4

Cauda Equina

Answer 4

• Latin “Horses Tail”

- Nerve roots L2-S5 and CO1

Question 5

Grey Matter

Answer 5

• Cell bodies of motor and sensory neurons with synapses

Question 6

3 portions of Grey Matter

Answer 6

1. Upper Portion: Dorsal or posterior horn (sensory)
2. Lower Portion: Anterior or Ventral horn (motor)
3. Lateral Portion: T1-L2 levels contain preganglionic sympathetic neurons (produce autonomic involuntary info)

Question 7

White Matter

Answer 7

• Periphery around grey matter

Question 8

2 Tracts of White Matter

Answer 8

1. Ascending Tract: Sensory Fibers

2. Descending Tract: Motor Fiber

Question 9

Tracts

Answer 9

• Communicate to nervous system, can cross from side to side of the body’s innervations. Can cause contralateral injuries

Question 10

Afferent Tracts

Answer 10

• Sensory

- 3 Types

Question 11

3 Afferent Tracts

Answer 11

1. Dorsal/Posterior Columns: Provide proprioception, vibration, two point discrimination and deep touch
2. Spinal Thalamic Tract; Located anteriolaterally (Pain and Temp)
3. Dorsal/Ventral Columns: Light touch, pressure and sensation

Question 12

Efferent Tracts

Answer 12

• Motor
• Skilled movements of the extremities
• Originate fin the frontal lobe, crosses synapse on the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord.

Question 13

Damage to the corticospinal tract

Answer 13

• Babinski Sign
• Run blunt object across lateral border of pt’s foot
• present with great toe is in ext and remaining toes splay out

Question 14

Other Tracts

Answer 14

• Rubraspinal
• Lateral and Medial Vestibulospinal
• Tectospinal
• Medial and Lateral Reticulospinal

Question 15

Rubraspinal

Answer 15

• Innervate UE

- Facilitates flex, inhibits ext and correction of movement errors

Question 16

Lateral and Medial Vestibulospinal

Answer 16

• Postural adjustment “Lateral”

- Muscle Tone Neck and Upper Back “Medial”

Question 17

Tectospinal

Answer 17

• Orientation of head towards sound or movement

Question 18

Medial and Lateral Reticulospinal

Answer 18

• Limb Ext “Med”

- Limb Flex “Lat”