Chapter 17, Problem 1.1BGL

Summary Introduction

To label: The meningeal structures of the spinal cord.

Introduction: The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system that conducts both the sensory and motor information and acts as reflex center. The spinal cord is made up of white and gray matter and is surrounded by three protective envelopes called meninges. The spinal cord consists of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that nourishes the spine and protects it from infection. The spinal cord gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves on each side of the vertebra.

Answer to Problem 1.1BGL

Pictorial representation:

Fig 1: Transverse section of spinal cord showing meninges

Explanation of Solution

The transverse section of the spinal cord shows the following structures:

1. 1. Dura mater and arachnoid mater: The dura mater is the outermost layer of the meninges of the spinal cord, which is separated from the vertebral column by the epidural space. The arachnoid mater is a soft layer situated between the dura mater and pia mater.
2. 2. Pia mater: It is the innermost meningeal layer, which is a thin membrane that fuses with the filum terminale.
3. 3. Epidural Space: It is the outermost part of the spinal canal that contains lymphatics, fatty tissue, spinal nerve roots, and small arteries.
4. 4. Subarachnoid space: It is the space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater, which is filled with the cerebrospinal fluid.
5. 5. Web-like projection of the arachnoid mater: These projections are also called arachnoid villi or granulations that transfer the CSF back into the bloodstream.