Spinal Cord Anatomy Quiz (Lab)

Where is the spinal cord enclosed?

• Within the rib cage

• Within the vertebral canal of the spinal column

• Within the cranial cavity

• Within the abdominal cavity

The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum to which vertebra?

• T1 or T2

• L1 or L2

• C1 or C2

• S1 or S2

What is the significance of the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord?

• It is where nerves serving the lower limbs arise

• It is where nerves serving the upper limbs arise

• It is where the spinal cord ends

• It is where the brain connects to the spinal cord

Which enlargement of the spinal cord is associated with nerves serving the lower limbs?

• Cervical enlargement

• Thoracic enlargement

• Lumbar enlargement

• Sacral enlargement

Explain why the spinal cord has both cervical and lumbar enlargements.

• To provide extra protection to the spinal cord

• To allow for the attachment of muscles

• To accommodate the increased number of nerves serving the limbs

• To support the weight of the head

A patient has lost sensation in their lower limbs. Based on your knowledge of spinal cord anatomy, which region of the spinal cord might be affected?

• Cervical enlargement

• Lumbar enlargement

• Thoracic region

• Sacral region

How many pairs of spinal nerves does the spinal cord have?

• 12

• 24

• 31

• 40

What is the name of the region where the spinal cord tapers at its end?

• Cauda equina

• Conus medullaris

• Medulla oblongata

• Filum terminale

Which structure is described as a collection of spinal nerves at the end of the spinal cord that looks like a "horse’s tail"?

• Conus medullaris

• Cauda equina

• Dorsal root ganglion

• Spinal meninges

Which nerves are labeled as C1–C8 in the diagram?

• Cervical nerves

• Thoracic nerves

• Lumbar nerves

• Sacral nerves