Exam (elaborations) MED (Ana203) Clinically Oriented Anatomy, International Edition

Title: Overview of the Spinal Cord Anatomy Overview: This concise document offers a focused overview of the spinal cord, detailing its anatomy, structure, and essential functions. It is perfect for students studying neuroanatomy, medical science, or nursing and provides an easy-to-understand summary of the spinal cord’s role in the central nervous system. Contents: 1. Introduction to the Spinal Cord: • Location: Extends from the medulla oblongata to the lumbar vertebrae. • Function: Main conduit for transmitting nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. • Structure: Divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. 2. Spinal Cord Segments: • Cervical (C1-C8), Thoracic (T1-T12), Lumbar (L1-L5), Sacral (S1-S5), and Coccygeal (Co1). • Nerve roots emerge from each segment, contributing to the peripheral nervous system. 3. Gray and White Matter: • Gray matter: Contains neurons and glial cells, primarily involved in reflexes and motor control. • White matter: Composed of myelinated axons that carry sensory and motor information to and from the brain. 4. Spinal Cord Functions: • Motor Control: Transmits signals from the brain to muscles