Spinal Cord

Question 1

Differences b/w cranial and spinal dura

Answer 1

1. Spinal has single meningeal layer
2. Cranial forms folds (falx cerebri)
3. Epidural space present in spinal

Question 2

Cauda Equina syndrome

Answer 2

• due to compression of cauda equina
• by extradural tumor, prolapsed IV disc, or spinal canal stenosis
  1. Areflexis LMN paralysis
  2. Saddle shaped anaesthesia
  3. Severe root pain
  4. Late urinary and bowel retention
  5. Sexual dysfunction

Question 3

Features of cervical segment of SC

Answer 3

• Large and oval
• Slender posterior horn
• Massive anterior horn
• No lateral horn
  Well developed reticular formation
• Large amount of white matter

Question 4

Features of thoracic segment of SC

Answer 4

• Circular
• Slender posterior horn
• Slender anterior horn
• Lateral horn present for thoracolumbar outflow
• Poorly developed reticular formation
• Large amounts of white matter

Question 5

Features of Lumbar segment of SC

Answer 5

• Circular
• Bulbous posterior horn
• Bulbous anterior horn
• Lateral horn only in L1 and L2
• No reticular formation
• Less white matter

Question 6

Features of sacral segment of SC

Answer 6

• Small circular
• Thick posterior horn
• Bulbous anterior horn
• Lateral horn only in S2, 3, 4 segments
• No reticular formation
• Very less white matter

Question 7

Location of lateral corticospinal tract

Answer 7

Lateral white column

Question 8

Location of anterior corticospinal tract

Answer 8

Anterior white column

Question 9

Tracts in anterior white column

Answer 9

Desc:
1. Anterior corticospinal
2. Vestibulospinal
3. Tectospinal
4. Medial reticulospinal
Asc:
1. Anterior spinothalamic

Question 10

Tracts in lateral white column

Answer 10

Desc:
1. Lateral corticospinal
2. Rubrospinal 
3. Lateral reticulospinal
4. Hypothalamospinal
Asc:
1. Lateral spinothalamic
2. Anterior and posterior spinocerebellar
3. Spinotectal

Question 11

Tracts in Posterior white column

Answer 11

Fasiculus gracilis

Fasiculus cuneatus

Question 12

UMN lesion

Answer 12

• loss of voluntary mvmts in contralateral side below level of lesion
• LMN become hyperactive
• muscle tone increases
• spastic paralysis

Question 13

Tabes dorsalis

Answer 13

• syphilitic degenerative lesion of posterior white column
  1. Loss of tactile discrimination, vibration, proprioception
  2. Ataxia when eyes closed - Romberg’s sign

Question 14

Brown Sequard syndrome

Answer 14

Hemisection of spinal cord

1. Ipsilateral UMN spastic paralysis
2. Ipsilateral loss of proprioception, vibration, fine touch
3. Contralateral loss of pain and temperature

Question 15

Syringomyelia

Answer 15

• Fluid develops near centre of cord
• Destruction of central canal and surroundings
  1. Bilateral loss of pain and temp.

Question 16

Arterial supply of SC

Answer 16

1. Anterior spinal artery from union of branches of vertebral A - ant. 2/3 of cord
2. Posterior spinal A - post. 1/3 of cord
3. Segmental A

Question 17

Venous drainage of SC

Answer 17

empty into internal vertebral venous plexus