Vertebra
Clinical Patho-
physiology
physiology
Neuroanatomy and Meninges
Autonomic Pathways
Development and Segmental Distribution
100
These specialized paired processes project superiorly from the lateral aspects of cervical vertebral bodies (C3-C7) and are common sites for bone spurs
What are Uncinate Processes?
100
This valveless venous network in the epidural space is clinically significant because it connects to deep pelvic and thoracic veins, allowing the metastasis of cancer to enter the brain.
What is Batson’s plexus (internal vertebral venous plexus)?
100
These narrow, lateral extensions of the pia mater pass between the ventral and dorsal roots to anchor the spinal cord to the arachnoid-lined dural sac
What are denticulate ligaments?
100
These bundles carry preganglionic sympathetic axons from the ventral primary ramus specifically to the paravertebral ganglia and are only found at the T1-L2/L3 levels
What are White Rami Communicates?
100
This is the developmental reason the conus medullaris is found at L1/L2 in adults, despite it sitting at L3 at birth
What is the differential rate of growth between the spinal cord and the vertebral column?
200
This feature, consisting of superior, inferior, and transverse varieties, is unique to thoracic vertebrae for articulation with ribs
What are costal facets (or demifacets)?
200
This specific condition is defined by bilateral fractures of the pars interarticularis that lead to the anterior subluxation of a vertebral bod
What is spondylolisthesis?
Active recall for Extra Points: What is spondylolysis?
200
This thread-like extension of the pia mater continues inferiorly from the conus medullaris to eventually attach the dural sac to the coccyx
What is the filum terminale?
200
Unlike other sympathetic pathways, postganglionic fibers destined for the heart do not use gray rami communicantes but instead travel through these
What are Cardiac visceral nerves?
200
These curvatures of the spine are classified as primary because they are present during fetal development and remain concave anteriorly
What are thoracic and sacral kyphoses?
For extra points: When do the lumbar and cervical lordoses develop?
300
This large, anteriorly projecting edge of the S1 vertebra is a key landmark for the pelvic inlet
What is the sacral promontory?
300
In a lumbar puncture, the needle is typically inserted between L3/L4 or L4/L5 to avoid the spinal cord and sample CSF from this specific "pool"
What is the lumbar cistern?
300
The spinal dural sac and the subarachnoid space typically terminate at this specific vertebral level
What is S2?
300
These nerves are unique because they carry preganglionic sympathetic fibers that pass through the sympathetic chain without synapsing, instead heading for prevertebral (pre-aortic) ganglia
What are thoracic (or lumbar) splanchnic nerves?
300
A myotome is defined as a group of these, which are all innervated by the somatic efferent fibers of a single spinal nerve root
What are skeletal muscle cells?
400
These stacked openings in cervical vertebrae create a protective route for the vertebral arteries to reach the brain
What are transverse foramina?
400
A patient presenting with fecal or urinary incontinence and loss of sexual function may be suffering from this medical emergency caused by the compression of lower spinal nerve roots
What is cauda equina syndrome?
400
This is the only spinal nerve that exits the vertebral canal between the C7 and T1 vertebrae
What is the C8 spinal nerve?
400
This division of the ANS is described as "craniosacral" because its preganglionic cell bodies are located in the brainstem and S2-S4 spinal cord segments
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
400
This specific portion of the spinal cord is defined by the roots of a single bilateral pair of spinal nerves that emerge from it
What is a spinal cord segment?
500
This structure, representing the fused spinous processes of S1-S5, is a key midline landmark on the posterior surface of the sacrum
What is the median sacral crest?
500
This clinical phenomenon occurs because visceral afferent fibers accompany sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent fibers, leading the brain to misinterpret internal pain as originating from somatic structures
What is referred pain?
500
This specific region of the spinal cord's gray matter is found only between T1 and L2/L3 and contains the cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic neurons
What is the lateral horn?
500
These specific parasympathetic nerves arise from the S2-S4 ventral rami and distribute to terminal ganglia within the walls of pelvic and abdominal organs
What are pelvic splanchnic nerves?
500
While all other spinal nerves have a characteristic dermatomal distribution, these are the only two specific spinal nerves that lack cutaneous (skin) distributions entirely
What are the C1 and Co1 (coccygeal) spinal nerves?
