Intro


Intro


Contents

Anatomy

  

The Brainstem and Spinal Cord - OrientationThe spinal cord is an extremely important component of the central nervous system. For the basic science component of this module, I have tried to organize the material in a way that will make you comfortable with the fundamental organization of the spinal cord. This will hopefully prepare you for solving the clinical case problems that the clinicians spring on you!!

I am aware of what you have learned about the spinal cord in Gross Anatomy, Histology and Physiology, and therefore will not dwell on gross structure, meninges or muscle spindles. What I will dwell on ad nauseum is the organization of ascending sensory pathways and descending motor pathways in the spinal cord. Following a discussion of each major pathway or topic, I have inserted a group of practice questions. BE SURE TO COMPLETE THESE PRACTICE QUESTIONS! These questions will help you to evaluate your progress as we move through the various topics and build a more global view of spinal cord organization and function(s). If you get the answers correct, you are doing great! Trust me, there are no tricks!!! However, if you miss a few questions, go back and review the material that you have not understood (or that I have not clearly written or discussed??) . Then go forward!!!! As you go through the spinal cord material the practice questions build on earlier material (and will therefore be more inclusive and difficult). If you do the questions faithfully, you will have the material well in hand. You will then be ready to problem solve and impress the clinicians.

Spinal Cord - Level C2

Spinal Cord - Level C2

The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

Spinal Cord - Level T1

Spinal Cord - Level T1

Spinal Cord - Level T6

Spinal Cord - Level T6

Spinal Cord - Level L5

Spinal Cord - Level L5