ILOs:

• Describe the differences in the meningeal relationships between vertebral column and cranium.
• Recognise dorsal and ventral roots, dorsal root ganglia and cauda equina.
• Describe the functional difference between ventral and dorsal roots.
• Know how a spinal segment is defined and understand the significance of the mismatch between spinal cord segments and the corresponding vertebrae
• Recognise the main parts of the spinal cord as seen in cross-section (dorsal, ventral and lateral horns of the grey matter, columns of the white matter), and understand the distinctions between grey and white matter
• Distinguish the functions of different parts of the spinal grey matter.
• Describe the neuroanatomical structure and function of the following pathways: pyramidal tract, spinothalamic tract and dorsal column/medial lemniscal pathway.
• Predict the likely outcome of spinal cord injuries at different segmental levels.

Part 1: Briefing and links for your own learning

• Where’s the spinal cord located in the spine?
• What is the vertebral colour composed of?
• Which bone is this and how do you know?
• Which bone is this and how do you know?
• Which bone is this and how do you know?
• Which joint is this and how do you know?
• What connects to this joint?
• How is dura in the spinal cord different to the brain?
• Describe the anatomical position of the spinal cord