Question

Match the anatomical descriptions with the correct terms related to the spinal cord anatomy:

A) Conus medullaris
B) Cauda equina
C) Filum terminale
D) Cervical enlargement

Where do nerves serving the upper limbs arise?
What anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx?
What is the collection of nerve roots at the inferior end of the vertebral canal?
What is the inferior point of termination of the spinal cord in an adult?

Answer 1

The nerves serving the upper limbs arise from the brachial plexus. The filum terminale anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx. The collection of nerve roots at the inferior end of the vertebral canal is called the cauda equina. The conus medullaris is the inferior point of termination of the spinal cord in an adult.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nerves serving the upper limbs arise from the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is formed by the merging of the ventral rami (or nerve roots) of the spinal nerves C5-T1, which are located in the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord.

The filum terminale anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx. It is a thin strand of fibrous tissue that extends from the conus medullaris to the coccyx.

The collection of nerve roots at the inferior end of the vertebral canal is called the cauda equina. It is formed by the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves that continue to extend below the termination of the spinal cord.

The conus medullaris is the inferior point of termination of the spinal cord in an adult. It is located at approximately the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.