Learning Objectives:
Describe:
- a typical cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebra (based on the characteristics of each) plus
the atlas and axis.
- the structure and function of an intervertebral disc
- the individual ligaments associated with the vertebral column:
- the normal primary and secondary curvatures of the vertebral column
- the location, extent, and functions of the dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater
- the location and contents of the extradural, subdural, and subarachnoid spaces. How far
inferiorly does each of these spaces extend?
- a spinal nerve. You must know the individual characteristics of (a) dorsal root, (b)
ventral root, (c) dorsal ramus, (d) ventral ramus, (e) sensory nerve, (f) motor nerve, (g)
mixed nerve. For each of the above, know where the cell body lies.
- the inferior extent of the spinal cord in the newborn and in the adult.
- the conus medullaris and the cauda equina
- the relationships of spinal cord segments to respective vertebrae
- a dermatome
- the blood supply and venous drainage of the vertebral column and the spinal cord.
Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI
films.