Human Anatomy and Physiology Exam #3 Chapter 13: The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves-Questions and Answers Graded A+

Human Anatomy and Physiology Exam #3 Chapter 13: The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves-Questions and Answers Graded A+ Functions of Spinal Cord - ANSWER-Processing center for reflexes, conduction pathway for sensory and motor nerve impulses. Spinal Cord - ANSWER-Protected by the meninges and vertebrae and a cushion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Meninges - ANSWER-Three membranes that enclose the spinal cord and brain. Vertebral column - ANSWER-Provides a body fortification around the spinal cord. Pia Mater - ANSWER-Innermost; thin, delicate CT that closely adheres to brain and spinal cord tissue. Denticulate Ligaments - ANSWER-Thickenings of pia mater that suspend the spinal cord in the middle of the dural sheath. Arachnoid - ANSWER-The middle layer; thin and transparent, loosely attached to the pia mater, sheets of gauze (looks like), fits over CNS like a sleeve. Subarachnoid Space - ANSWER-Filled with cerebral fluid. Arachnoid Trabeculae - ANSWER-Attaches to pia mater and arachnoid. Dura Mater - ANSWER-Outermost; tough, thick membrane in close contact with bones of cranium and spine (tubular sheath - dural sheath). Meningeal layer - ANSWER-Inner - faces arachnoid. Periosteal Layer - ANSWER-Outer - in contact with periosteum. Dural Sheath - ANSWER-Hollow tube attached by trabeculae. Subdural - ANSWER-Between arachnoid and dura mater. Epidural - ANSWER-Between periosteum and dura mater. Meningitis - ANSWER-Inflammation of the meninges: headache, stiff neck, very high temp, convulsions, ringing in ears (tinnitus) projectile vomiting. Spinal Tap - ANSWER-Removal of CSF from subarachnoid space ; used to measure CSF pressure, isolate causative microbes for meningitis, and to introduce antibiotics, contrast media, and anesthetics.