ch 13- sec 1

posterior root ganglion

a swelling that contains the cell bodies of the sensory nerve

transmit nerve impulses to and from brain and house the spinal reflexes

2 functions of the spinal cord

meninges

3 layers of specialized membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

dura, arachnoid, pia

3 layers of the meninges

dura mater

The most superficial layer of connective tissue, composed of dense irregular ct

arachnoid mater

avascular middle meninx; arrangement of collagen and elastic fibers

roots

bundles of axons that connect each spinal nerve to a segment of the nerve

conus medullaris

conical tapering of sc

subdural/subarchnoid space

contains csf/ interstitial fluid

posterior (dorsal) root

contains only sensory axons

cranial meninges

encircle the brain

rootlets

even smaller bundles of axons

Filum terminate

extension of pia mater that helps anchor cord in place

denticulate ligaments

extensions of the pia mater that anchor the sc

lumbar enlargement

in the lower back, t9- t12, a thickening in the spinal cord; gives off nerves to lower limbs

cervical enlargement

in the neck region, c4- t1, a thickening in the spinal cord; supplies nerves to upper limbs

pia mater

innermost meninx composed of ct; contains bv that supply oxygen and nutrients

csf

serves as shock absorber and suspension system

epidural space

space between sc and the vertebral canal

roots and rootlets

spinal nerves are composed of (2)

spinal meninges

surround the spinal cord

cauda equina

the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal nerves descend beyond the end of the cord, forming a structure called ______________ (horses tail)

medulla oblongata

the spinal cord begins at the ______ and terminates between the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae

31

the spinal cord consists of ______ segments, each of which gives rise to a pair of spinal nerves

spinal nerves

these nerves connect the cns to pns