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Spinal Cord Gross Anatomy

Spinal cord with cervical and lumbosacral enlargements
in situ

Gross anatomy of the spinal cord
in situ

Spinal cord exposed by laminectomy

Spinal segments and spinal roots

Sacral and caudal spinal roots (
caudal equina)

Locations of spinal segments within vertebral canal

Spinal meninges

Spinal cord blood supply
Spinal Cord Histology

Surface landmarks and gray & white matter regions

Spinal cord segment T-6 transected

Neuron types and input axons found in spinal gray matter

Neuron cell columns and nuclei in spinal gray matter

Medial and lateral motor nuclei

Spinal white matter consists of root and tract fibers

Spinal white matter funiculi

Cranial and caudal branches of dorsal root axons

Axon organization within spinal tracts
Spinal Pathways

Ascending and descending spinal pathways

Primary afferent neurons

Conscious vs. subconscious ascending pathways

Touch and kinesthesia ascending pathways

Spinothalamic ascending pain and temperature pathway

Spinocervicothalamic ascending pain pathway

Spinocerebellar ascending pathways

Major descending pathways

Tract locations in spinal white matter
Optional Online Resources . . .
Spinal Cord Anatomy
This web site presents gross anatomy, segment-vertebrae relationships, meninges, blood supply, histology of spinal gray and white matter, and spinal tracts.
Spinal Cord - Discussion Questions
This web site presents thoughtful questions related to the Spinal Cord. It is intended for group discussion.
Interactive Neuroanatomy Quiz This web site enables students to self-evaluate their knowledge of basic neuroanatomy in an engaging interactive manner. It includes the spinal cord.
Pertinent Terms List . . .
Spinal Cord Terms (PDF file)
Questions for Class Discussion (suggestions):
What is the significance of spinal cord enlargements?
How would you define a spinal cord segment?
What is the functional difference between dorsal and ventral spinal roots?
What is the meaning of the term "cauda equina"?
List some significant segment-vertebra relationships?
Which gray matter nuclei contain cell bodies of efferent neurons?, of projection neurons?
What is a primary afferent neuron? (describe its features and function)
Discuss carnivore pain pathways.
What types of tracts are found in the dorsal funiculus?, lateral funiculus?, ventral funiculus?