Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves
Spinal Cord Structure p. 255 – 258
 Approximate adult length: ~17 inches (43-45 cm depending on biological sex)

The spinal cord extends from where to where in the body? Foramen magnum to space between L1-L2

How is the spinal cord protected? Meninges, CSF, and vertebrae

How many nerves exit the spinal cord? 31 pairs of spinal nerves

What is the end of the spinal cord called? Why? Cauda equina, resembles a horse’s tail

Label according to diagram, page 256
Did You Get It Questions, page 258
#21
#22
Spinal Nerves and Nerve Plexuses page 262-263
What is a nerve plexus?
Network of intersecting nerves that serve
the same region of the body. Groups or
bundles that exit the spinal cord.
Nerves Plexuses
o
Cervical plexus
NECK – SERVES
SHOULDERS, NECK, AND
FACE
o
Brachial plexus
ARM – SERVES UPPER
BACK, SHOULDER, AND
ARM
o
Lumbar plexus
MIDSECTION – SERVES CHEST, ABDOMEN, AND HIPS
o
Sacral plexus
LOWER BACK – SERVES HIPS AND LEGS
NOT IN BOOK
 Dermatomes:
REGIONS OF THE BODY SERVED BY
SPECIFIC SPINAL NERVES. THEY
“WRAP” AROUND THE BODY IN
SPECIFIC WAYS TO DEMONSTRATE
THE WAY THE NERVE COLLECTS
INFO or SENDS INFO
o
Peripheral neuropathies: regional
losses of sensory or motor functions,
usually due to injury or infection.
o Shingles
VIRAL INFECTION - HERPES
ZOSTER INFECTION (CHICKEN POX)
THAT RE-ERRUPTS MANY YEARS
LATER.
o Hanson’s disease
BACTERIAL INFECTION, AKA
LEPROSY THAT INFECTS NERVES
AND CAUSES TISSUE
DAMAGE/DESTRUCTION.