physiology
What is the role of the spinal cord in the CNS
Acts as the "highway" for signals between the body and brain (& vice versa), also a key component in autonomic and motor controls
what do spinal plexuses do
supply motor and sensory innervation to the body
what are spinal plexuses
they are the nerves that exit the spinal cord and spread throughout the body. it makes up the peripheral nervous system
what are the two types of matter in the spinal cord
grey and white matter
What nervous system is the spinal cord part of?
CNS
how can spinal cord injuries affect us
deficits in sensation, movement, and autonomic regulation, as well as death.
what are the functions of the Brachial plexus (C5-T1)
controls movement and sensation of the upper extremity. (arms, hands, etc)
what are the 4 major spinal plexuses
cervical, brachial, lumbar, sacral
what type of matter makes up the interior of the spinal cord
grey matter
what's the last and smallest pair of spinal nerves
coccygeal nerves
How does the spinal cord promote homeostasis
conducting nerve impulses along tracts
what are the functions of the Lumbar plexus (L1-L4)
controls movement and sensation of the abdominal wall, thigh, and external genitals.
What are the 4 segments of the spinal cord?
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral
What type of matter surrounds the grey matter
white matter
What protects the spinal cord?
bone (vertebrae), meninges (connective tissue), and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid)
descending
what are the functions of the Sacral plexus (L4, L5, S1-S4)
controls movement and sensation of the foot, leg, and thigh
What are dermatomes?
areas of skin on your body that rely on specific nerve connections on your spine
What is in between the dura mater and vertebral wall
epidural space
What are the three layers of meninges
dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
Are sensory tracts ascending or descending
ascending
What are the functions of the cervical plexus
Motor (neck & upper torso), chewing and swallowing, breathing, sensory (head, neck, upper torso)
how many pairs of cervical nerves are there
8 (C1-C8)
what is the epidural space made of
fat, veins, arteries, and lymphatics
Where does the spinal chord begin and end
extends from medulla oblongata; ends at superior border of the second lumbar vertebrae