LAB 3
SPINAL CORD AND SPINAL CORD TRACTS
A. Objective: Learn the anatomy of the spinal cord.
Observe the models of the spinal cord. Identify the following structures, write a descriptive phrase for each, and label
the structures on the spinal cord diagram.
Coverings and Spaces
Dura mater 
Arachnoid membrane 
Pia mater 
Epidural space 
Subdural space 
Subarachnoid space 
Denticulate ligament 
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Depressions
Anterior median fissure 
Posterior median sulcus 
Gray & White Areas
Anterior gray horn 
Posterior gray horn 
Lateral gray horn 
Anterior white column 
Posterior white column 
Lateral white column 
Other Structures
Central canal 
Spinal nerve 
Dorsal root ganglion 
Sensory (afferent) root 
Motor (efferent) root 
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1.
Together, the dura mater, pia mater, and arachnoid membrane are the
2.
A fissure is a _______________________________________________.
3.
A sulcus is a _______________________________________________.
4.
The anterior gray horn contains ________________________________ neurons.
5.
The difference between the gray horns and white columns is
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.
.
6.
The central canal is lined by ________________________________ cells.
7.
The subarachnoid space contains ______________________________________ fluid.
8.
Functionally, a spinal nerve is an example of a ______________________________ nerve.
9.
White columns carry impulses along pathways called _______________________________.
10. Information carried along these pathways is either _______________________ or _______________________.
11. Neuronal synapses would be most common in the _______________________________ matter.
12. Oligodendrocytes would be found in the ______________________________ matter or columns.
13. A lumbar puncture would remove fluid from what space? ____________________________________.
B. Objective: Learn the microscopic anatomy of the spinal cord.
Examine the microscope slide with cross sections of spinal cord and identify the relevant structures.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1.
Do all sections have gray horns? _____________________ Explain.
2.
Do all sections have the same gray horns? ____________________ Explain.
3.
What structures are most prominent in the anterior gray horn? _____________________________________.
4.
The gray areas on the right and left sides of the cord are connected by an area called the ______________________
which contains the central canal.
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C. Objective: Learn the spinal cord structures.
Observe the preserved human spinal cord and identify the relevant structures.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1.
Can you identify the dura mater? _________________________.
2.
What is the filum terminale? _________________________________________.
3.
How far down the vertebral column does the spinal cord extend _________________________________.
4.
What is the cauda equina? _________________________________________________.
D. Objective: Identify the structure and function of the spinal cord tracts.
1.
Name (2 names):
Function:
2.
Name:
Function:
3.
Name:
Function:
4.
Name:
Function:
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2
4
3
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