Chapter 12- Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

Which statement best describes the primary role of the spinal cord?

• It produces hormones for the endocrine system.

• It links the central nervous system (CNS) with the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

• It stores memories and emotions.

• It filters blood entering the brain.

The spinal cord extends from the brain to which specific level?

• Inferior border of the sacrum

• Middle of the thoracic vertebrae

• Superior part of the second lumbar vertebra

• Cervical vertebra C7

Which meningeal layer is identified as the outermost protective covering of the spinal cord and is continuous with the epineurium of the spinal nerves?

• Dura mater

• Arachnoid mater

• Pia mater

• Subarachnoid space

Which statement best describes the arachnoid mater of the spinal cord?

• Thick and fused to bone

• Thin and wispy, forming the middle layer

• Bound tightly to the surface of the spinal cord as the innermost layer

• Contains epidural fat

Where is the epidural space located in relation to the meninges of the spinal cord?

• Between the pia mater and the spinal cord

• Between the arachnoid mater and pia mater

• Between the dura mater and the inside of the vertebral foramen

• Within the dura mater itself

Which meningeal layer is bound tightly to the surface of the brain and spinal cord and is considered the innermost layer?

• Dura mater

• Arachnoid mater

• Pia mater

• Subdural space

In a spinal cord cross-section, which region primarily contains neuronal cell bodies and forms the dorsal, lateral, and ventral horns?

• White matter

• Gray matter

• Dorsal root ganglion

• Arachnoid mater

Which statement best describes white matter in the spinal cord?

• Clusters of sensory and motor nuclei

• Bundles of axons organized into tracts that conduct impulses

• Sites of cerebrospinal fluid production

• Regions limited to the dorsal horn only

Based on the labeled diagram, sensory information enters the spinal cord through which structure?

• Ventral root

• Dorsal horn

• Dorsal root

• Ventral horn

Which horn contains somatic motor neurons and nuclei?

• Anterior (ventral) gray horn

• Posterior (dorsal) gray horn

• Lateral gray horn

• Dorsal root ganglion