Anatomy and Physiology: Spinal Cord Model Lecture

Introduction

• Lecturer: Professor Bob Long
• Focus: Spinal Cord Model
• Materials: Laboratory assignments, lab guide (pages 35 and 36)

Spinal Cord Overview

• Location: Inside the spinal foramen of the vertebral column
• Vertebra Identification:
  • Cervical vertebra noted by the v-shaped structure and vertebral arteries/veins in the transverse foramen

Key Structures of the Spinal Cord

Meninges of the Spinal Cord

• Cranial Meninges Continuation:
  • Dura mater (tough outer layer)
  • Arachnoid mater
  • Pia mater
• Spaces:
  • Epidural space: Contains adipose tissue and blood vessels; location of epidural injections
  • Subdural space: Very thin gap next to dura mater
  • Subarachnoid space: Contains cerebrospinal fluid; site for spinal taps
• Denticulate Ligaments: Stabilize the spinal cord, appear as connective tissue teeth

Spinal Cord Structure

• Orientation:
  • Posterior with spinous processes
  • Anterior with notable fissures and sulci
• Fissures and Sulci:
  • Anterior median fissure (larger gap)
  • Posterior median sulcus (tight gap)
  • Central canal: Connected to the fourth ventricle
• Gray and White Matter:
  • Gray matter (inner) forms an H/butterfly shape
  • White matter (outer) arranged in columns
  • Bilateral symmetry (symmetrical sides)

Gray Matter Components

• Gray Horns:
  • Anterior gray horn
  • Lateral gray horn
  • Posterior gray horn
• Gray Commissures:
  • Anterior gray commissure
  • Posterior gray commissure

White Matter Components

• White Columns:
  • Anterior white column
  • Lateral white column
  • Posterior white column
• White Commissures:
  • Anterior white commissure
  • Posterior white commissure

Spinal Nerves and Roots

• Roots:
  • Ventral root
  • Dorsal root (with dorsal root ganglion)
• Spinal Nerve Formation:
  • Convergence of ventral and dorsal roots
  • Immediate branching into:
    • Ventral ramus
    • Dorsal ramus
• Rami Communicantes:
  • Branches connecting to the autonomic ganglion

Conclusion

• Review Tips:
  • Study models/pictures repeatedly for retention
• Contact:
  • Email for questions: [email protected]
• Next Steps:
  • Future lectures will cover the physiology of the spinal cord; continue to study anatomy for exams.