Question

The bulge in the spinal cord that gives off nerves to the upper limbs is called the ________.

1) Cervical enlargement
2) Lumbar enlargement
3) Sacral enlargement
4) Thoracic enlargement

Answer 1

The bulge in the spinal cord that gives off nerves to the upper limbs is called the cervical enlargement. It is responsible for controlling the fine musculature of the upper limbs, particularly the fingers. The lumbar enlargement, in contrast, controls the muscles of the lower limbs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cervical Enlargement

The bulge in the spinal cord that gives off nerves to the upper limbs is called the cervical enlargement. This region of the ventral (anterior) horn of the spinal cord has a larger population of motor neurons for controlling the fine musculature of the upper limbs, particularly the fingers.

The lumbar enlargement, on the other hand, is responsible for controlling the muscles of the lower limbs. However, it is not as significant in appearance because there is less fine motor control in the lower limbs. The cervical enlargement and the lumbar enlargement are two specific regions of the spinal cord that are adapted to the control of the upper and lower limbs respectively.