What is spinal cord enlargement and role?

What is spinal cord enlargement and role?

The lumbar enlargement (or lumbosacral enlargement) is a widened area of the spinal cord that gives attachment to the nerves which supply the lower limbs. It commences about the level of T11 and ends at L2, and reaches its maximum circumference, of about 33 mm.

What are the enlarged regions of the spinal cord?

Two enlargements of the spinal cord can be visualized: The cervical enlargement, which extends between C3 to T1; and the lumbar enlargements which extends between L1 to S2 (Figure 3.1). The cord is segmentally organized.

Why is the spinal cord enlarged in cervical and lumbar?

The reason behind the enlargement of the cervical region is because of the increased neural input and output to the upper limbs. An analogous region in the lower limbs occurs at the lumbar enlargement.

What is the function of the large spine?

The three main functions of the spine are to: Protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and several of the body’s internal organs. Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture. Enable flexible motion.

What are the two areas of the spinal cord?

The two areas of the spinal cord most commonly injured are the cervical spine (C1–C7) and the lumbar spine (L1–L5). (The notation C1, C7, L1, L5 refer to the location of a specific vertebra in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region of the spine.)

What is the primary purpose of the spinal cord?

The spinal cord is a complex organization of nerve cells responsible for movement and sensation. It carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

What is spinal cord and how is it protected?

The spinal cord is protected by bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles. The spine is made of 33 bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord passes through a hole in the center (called the spinal canal) of each vertebra. Between the vertebrae there are discs that act as cushions, or shock absorbers for the spine.

How does damage to the spinal cord and nerves affect the other parts of the body?

Complete: A complete injury causes total paralysis (loss of function) below the level of the injury. It affects both sides of the body. A complete injury may cause paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) or the lower half of the body (paraplegia).

What are the functions of a spine?

Your spine, or backbone, is your body’s central support structure. It connects different parts of your musculoskeletal system. Your spine helps you sit, stand, walk, twist and bend. Back injuries, spinal cord conditions and other problems can damage the spine and cause back pain.

What areas of the spinal cord have enlargements and what is the significance of it?

Two enlargements of the spinal cord can be visualized: The cervical enlargement, which extends between C3 to T1; and the lumbar enlargements which extends between L1 to S2 (Figure 3.1). The cord is segmentally organized. There are 31 segments, defined by 31 pairs of nerves exiting the cord.

What is the function of the spinal cord?

The spinal cord functions primarily in the transmission of nerve signals from the motor cortex to the body, and from the afferent fibers of the sensory neurons to the sensory cortex. It is also a center for coordinating many reflexes and contains reflex arcs that can independently control reflexes.

How big is the spinal cord in men?

The enclosing bony vertebral column protects the relatively shorter spinal cord. It is around 45 cm (18 in) in men and around 43 cm (17 in) long in women. Also, the spinal cord has a varying width, ranging from 13 mm (1⁄2 in) thick in the cervical and lumbar regions to 6.4 mm (1⁄4 in) thick in the thoracic area.

What happens when the right side of Your Heart is enlarged?

Your heart may need to pump harder to move blood between your lungs and your heart. As a result, the right side of your heart may enlarge. Fluid around your heart (pericardial effusion).

What causes the spleen to be enlarged on the left side?

A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage.

Where are the two enlargements of the spinal cord?

The spinal cord enlarges in two places:1. In the cervical area (C5-T1) which is where the brachial plexus (a large group of nerves which provide the nervous supply to the arms and some of the chest) extends from.2.

Why is the spinal cord enlarged in the cervical and lumbosacral region?

The spinal cord enlarges at the cervical and lumbosacral areas in order to accomodate the extra neurons involved with the motor control going to, and sensations coming from, the upper and lower limbs.

What is the relationship between spinal cord and vertebral column?

Spinal Cord and Vertebrae.png: Relationship between the spinal cord and vertebral column, delineating the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections. The spinal cord is protected by three layers of tissue called meninges and divided into three regions.

What are the symptoms of swelling of the spinal cord?

In severe cases may be diagnosed paralysis of the limbs. Arteriovenous malformation disrupts the blood supply to the brain or spinal cord and can lead to bleeding in the brain. The diagnosis of AVM is put on the basis of an MRI or CT scan. Examination by the neurologist reveals the presence of lesions in the spinal cord or the brain.