Chapter 16, Problem 1WYL

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The spinal cord enlargements

Introduction:

A typical adult spinal cord is approximately 3/4 of an inch in diameter and ranges between 16 to 18 inches in length.

Explanation of Solution

The spinal cord are categorized in the following parts:

• The cervical part
• The thoracic part
• The lumbar part
• The sacral part
• The coccygeal part

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The role of spinal cord enlargements.

Introduction:

The spinal cord extends inferiorly from the medulla oblongata through the foramen magnum and the vertebral canal ending at the inferior border of the L1 vertebra.

Explanation of Solution

The function of each part of the spinal cord are as follows:

• The cervical part contains motor neurons whose axons contribute to the cervical spinal nerves and receives input from sensory neurons.
• The thoracic part contains neurons for the thoracic spinal nerves.
• The lumbar part contains the neurons for the lumbar spinal nerves.
• The sacral part contains the neurons for the sacral spinal nerves.
• The coccygeal part is the most inferior tip of the spinal cord.