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Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe the general structure of the spinal cord.
2. Name the meninges and their related spaces surrounding the spinal cord.
3. Identify the parts of the spinal cord cross-section (dorsal and ventral
roots, dorsal root ganglia, white matter columns, gray matter horns).
Describe the function of each of these parts.
4. Define reflex. List and describe the parts of a reflex arc.
5. List and describe the different ways a reflex can be classified.
6. Compare and contrast the features of a stretch reflex, a withdrawal reflex,
and a crossed extensor reflex.
7. Describe the connective tissue components of a nerve.
8. Explain the branching of the spinal nerve into rami and plexuses.
9. List and describe the four major spinal plexuses, including the areas of
the body innervated by each.
Divided into 31 segments (based on nerve origin); associated with vertebrae
Spinal segment Anatomy:
Sensory and motor roots are bound together to form a spinal nerve (mixed nerve).
Spinal Meninges:
specialized membranes that separate the spinal cord from the bony spinal column
1. Dura Mater:
protective shield
epidural space: above dura mater, filled with adipose tissue that cushions
2. Arachnoid:
middle layer
subarachnoid space: filled with Cerebrospinal fluid that protects and cushions
3. Pia Mater:
innermost layer
Grooves along the dorsal and ventral surfaces: dorsal (posterior median sulcus) and
ventral (anterior median fissure )
Each section of the spinal cord is composed of white and gray matter:
Gray matter is the soma of neurons, glial cells and unmyelinated axons
Gray Matter:
anterior and lateral gray horn: somatic and visceral motor nuclei
anterior-somatic nuclei
lateral-visceral; autonomic
White Matter:
each column has tracts (axons) that are either ascending (carry info to brain) or
descending (motor commands)
descending: motor
Mixed nerve:
A. bundles of sensory and motor axons extending from each spinal cord section
First branch: AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM; contains the visceral motor fibers
that extend to the sympathetic ganglion
Dorsal Ramus: contain sensory and motor neurons that service the skin and muscle of the
back; monitors and controls structures at the back of the body
Ventral Ramus: contain sensory and motor neurons that service the skeletal muscles of
body wall and limbs;
radial=medial
ramus=lateral
Nerve plexus
cervical: associated with neck region; includes phrenic nerve (which controls diaphragm)
receptor:
site of stimulus
integration center: within the CNS, may be a simple synapse between sensory and motor
neurons or may involve multiple synapses with interneurons; DETERMINES
RESPONSE IN CNS
Classification of Reflex:
1. Development:
2. Processing site
spinal reflex:
cranial reflex:
3. Nature of Response
4. Complexity of Circuit
2.
a sensory neuron conducts actions potentials through the nerve and dorsal root to the
spinal cord
3.
in the spinal cord, the sensory neuron synapses with an interneuron (interneuron is not
involved in a monosynaptic reflex arc)
4.
5.
receptor (muscle spindle): bundle of specialized cells innervated by both sensory and
motor neurons
when the muscle fibers of a muscle stretch, distorts the receptor causing an AP
actually consists of several reflexes that coordinate the two sides of the body
flexor reflex:
is a contralateral reflex that causes the muscles in the other limb to adjust for
changes in posture and maintain balance
helps prevent falls by shifting the wight of the body from the affected to the
unaffected limb
Processing centers of the brain can alter motor responses of spinal reflexes
Superficial reflexes: elicited by gentle cutaneous stimulation:
Babinski Reflex: occurs in infants; a reflex action in which the big toe remains extended
or extends itself when the sole of the foot is stimulated