Anatomical Points
Conus medullaris terminates at L1 in the adult (L3 in the newborn), after which the SC is referred to as the cauda equina (L2 – sacral)
Tracts
Ascending
Dorsal Column/Medial Lemniscus
Tactile, vibration, proprioception. Located dorsally. First order neurons located in DRG. Travel on same side as DRG and cross over in the brainstem
Spinothalamic Tracts
Ventral and Lateral STh Tracts. Lateral STh Tract carries pain and temperature. Crosses over through the ventral white commissure and ascends on the opposite side as the DRG
Descending
Corticospinal Tracts
Ventral and Lateral. Cross over in the medulla (pyramidal decussation). Voluntary motor movement.
Hypothalamospinal Tracts
Overlaps with the lateral corticospinal tract. Projects from the hypothalamus to the IML
Autonomic Nervous System
White rami communicans contain myelinated preganglionic SNS fibers and exist from T1 to L3. Gray rami communicans contain unmyelinated postganglionic SNS fibers and exist at all levels
Blood Supply
Anterior spinal artery supplies anterior 2/3 of spinal cord (does not supply dorsal columns) as well as part of the medulla. Posterior spinal arteries supply the remainder. Great radicular artery (GRA, Artery of Adamkiewicz) is generally located between T9-12 but can be anywhere from T5-L5. Major blood supply to lower spinal cord.
Other References
- Keys to the Cart: February 20, 2017; A 5-minute video review of ABA Keywords Link
Copyright Information
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