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Anatomy & Physiology: The Spinal Cord and CNS Pathways

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  • What is the basic structure and location of the spinal cord?

    The spinal cord is a long, tubular organ encased within the vertebral cavity, beginning at the foramen magnum and ending between the first and second lumbar vertebrae.

  • What fills the central canal of the spinal cord and what is its significance?

    The central canal is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is continuous with the brain's ventricles, providing cushioning and nutrient transport.

  • Differentiate between white matter and gray matter in the spinal cord.

    White matter contains myelinated axons and is superficial in the spinal cord; gray matter contains neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons and is internal.

  • What are the two main roles of the spinal cord?

    It acts as a relay station for communication between the brain and body, and as a processing station for spinal reflexes independent of the brain.

  • Name the three spinal meninges and one key difference from brain meninges.

    The meninges are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The spinal dura mater lacks a periosteal layer, consisting only of a meningeal layer.

  • What is the function of the denticulate ligaments?

    Denticulate ligaments extend from the pia mater through the arachnoid to the dura mater, anchoring the spinal cord within the vertebral cavity.

  • Describe the three spaces associated with the spinal meninges.

    Epidural space (between dura and vertebrae, contains fat and veins), subdural space (potential space between dura and arachnoid), and subarachnoid space (between arachnoid and pia, filled with CSF).

  • What is the purpose of an epidural anesthesia?

    Injection of anesthetic into the epidural space to numb nerves below the injection site, commonly used during childbirth and surgeries.

  • Where is a lumbar puncture performed and why?

    Between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae to withdraw CSF safely without injuring the spinal cord, used to diagnose infections or diseases.

  • What are the cervical and lumbar enlargements of the spinal cord?

    Bulges in the spinal cord where nerve roots for the upper and lower limbs emerge, reflecting increased neural input/output.

  • What is the conus medullaris and filum terminale?

    The conus medullaris is the tapered end of the spinal cord; the filum terminale is a thin extension of pia mater anchoring the cord to the coccyx.

  • Describe the internal gray matter regions of the spinal cord.

    Anterior horn (somatic motor neurons), posterior horn (sensory neurons), and lateral horn (autonomic motor neurons, thoracic to lumbar levels).

  • What is the function of the posterior root ganglion?

    Contains cell bodies of sensory neurons whose axons enter the posterior horn of the spinal cord.

  • What are funiculi in the spinal cord white matter?

    Regions of white matter on each side of the spinal cord: posterior, lateral, and anterior funiculi, containing ascending and descending tracts.

  • Name the major ascending sensory tracts and their functions.

    Posterior columns (fasciculus gracilis and cuneatus) carry touch and proprioception; spinocerebellar tracts carry proprioceptive info to cerebellum; anterolateral system carries pain and temperature.

  • What is the corticospinal tract and its role?

    The largest descending motor tract controlling skeletal muscles below the head and neck, originating in the cerebral cortex and decussating in the medulla.

  • Explain the sensory pathway from stimulus detection to perception.

    First-order neurons detect stimuli and send to spinal cord; second-order neurons relay to thalamus; third-order neurons deliver impulses to cerebral cortex for interpretation.

  • What types of neurons are involved in voluntary movement control?

    Upper motor neurons (cerebral cortex), interneurons (brainstem/spinal cord), and lower motor neurons (anterior horn to muscles).

  • Describe the pathway of the lateral corticospinal tract.

    Upper motor neurons descend from motor cortex, decussate at medullary pyramids, travel in lateral funiculi, and synapse on lower motor neurons in anterior horn.

  • What is the function of the corticonuclear (corticobulbar) tracts?

    Control muscles of the head and neck via cranial nerve lower motor neurons; fibers do not decussate but synapse with brainstem interneurons.