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White and grey matter are essentially made up of bundles of nerve fibers (called neurons) that convey nerve impulses between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. The major difference between white and gray matter within the spinal cord is that white matter is primarily composed of myelinated nerve fibers, while the nerve fibers of gray matter are not. Myelinated nerve cells tremendously increase the speed at which the action potential (nerve impulse) moves along the neurons axon. The job of the neurons that make up white matter is to either convey an action potential from a sensory receptor to the central nervous system, or, from the central nervous system out to an effector (such as a muscle or tissue). These neurons are called sensory neurons and motor neurons respectively. Gray matter consists of unmyelinated neurons, called interneurons. Their main duty is to provide communication between the peripheral and central nervous systems. Think of interneurons as a bridge linking two regions together. For unmyelinated neurons, the speed at which an action potential can propagate down the cell's axon is far less than that of the myelinated neurons of white matter.
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What is the function of the dura mater?
The main function of the dura mater (as with the arachnoid and pia mater) is to protect, surround, and support the spinal cord. It also forms the dural sac which extends from the foramen magnum all the way down to the coccyx. Inside this formed sac is where you'll find the arachnoid mater, subarachnoid space, pia mater, and the spinal cord/nerves/roots.
What is the Band of pia mater that attaches dura mater to cord?
The band that attaches the dura mater to the spinal cord is called the dentate ligaments. These ligaments provide stability and support to the spinal cord within the spinal column.
What is peridural?
The outside of the Dura Mater (a protective layer of the spinal cord and brain) of the spinal cord.
What are the three membranes covering the spinal cord?
The three membranes covering the spinal cord are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The dura mater is the outermost, tough layer that provides protection. The arachnoid mater is the middle, web-like layer that contains cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the spinal cord. The pia mater is the innermost, delicate layer that closely adheres to the surface of the spinal cord and contains blood vessels.
Which is the outermost membrane of the brain and spinal cord?
The dura mater is the outermost membrane of the brain and spinal cord. The dura mater is is responsible for keeping in the cerebrospinal fluid.
What is the function of the arachnoid vill?
Its a protective layer around the brain and spinal cord bettween the Dura mater and Pia mater
What is on the outside of the spinal cord?
The outside of the spinal cord is protected by three layers of membranes called meninges: the dura mater (outermost), arachnoid mater (middle), and pia mater (innermost). Between the arachnoid and pia mater is the subarachnoid space, which contains cerebrospinal fluid that cushions the spinal cord. Additionally, the spinal cord is encased within the vertebral column, comprised of individual vertebrae that provide structural support and protection.
What is found in the vertebral foramen?
Spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, and Dura mater
What is the name of the innermost membrane covering the brain and spinal cord?
The innermost membrane covering the brain and spinal cord is called the pia mater. It is a delicate and thin layer that closely adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord, providing support and protection. The pia mater is part of the three meninges, which also include the dura mater and arachnoid mater.
What is the function of the denticulate ligaments?
The denticulate ligaments are band-like structures that run along the length of the spinal cord, attaching to the spinal dura mater. They help to stabilize and support the spinal cord within the vertebral canal, preventing excessive movement that could lead to injury or compression of the cord.
What are lateral extensions of pia mater into the vertebrae?
The lateral extensions of the pia mater into the vertebrae are called denticulate ligaments. They anchor the spinal cord to the dura mater within the vertebral canal and help stabilize the spinal cord within the spinal column.
What is the function of the pia mater?
The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Its function is to provide a protective covering for these structures and to help support and nourish the central nervous system through its rich blood supply.
