Anatomy of the Vertebral Canal

Very randomly distributed :) Remember to do it in a word document so we can compile it, kay? :)


1. Activity 1 : Spinal cord
(Use models, articulated skeletons & bone sets)

Jesslyn and Daksha
1.1. Identify the main gross features of the spinal cord
1.2. What structures/layers surround the spinal cord within the vertebral canal?
1.3. Where does the cord end?
1.3.1. How is this clinically applicable?
1.3.2. Identify the conus medullaris.
1.3.3. Where does the dura (& subdural space) & pia end?

Ridzuan and Sandhya.
1.4. Identify the blood vessels on the surface of the spinal cord.
1.4.1. Name the arteries of the cord.
1.4.1.1. Where are they from?
1.4.1.2. How are they reinforced?
1.4.1.3. What is the largest reinforcement and at what vertebral level is it located?
1.4.2. What are vertebral venous plexuses?
1.4.2.1. Where are they located?
1.4.2.2. What is their clinical importance?
1.4.2.3. Identify the internal vertebral venous plexus


2. Activity 2 : Ligaments and Meninges
(Use models & software)

Syukriah and Viran.
2.1. Identify the ligamentum flavum.
2.1.1. Where is it generally attached?
2.1.1.1. What is its comprising tissue?
2.2. Identify the spinal dura mater.
2.2.1. How is it different form the cranial dura mater?
2.2.1.1. Identify the filum terminale and denticulate ligaments
2.2.1.2. From which meningeal layer are they derived?
2.2.1.3. What is their function?

3. Activity 3 : Spinal Nerves
(Use cross-section of cervical spine model, nervous system models, textbooks (e.g. Snell ), atlases & plastinated specimens)

Chang Thai
3.1. Identify the following in a cross-section (CS) of the spinal cord:
3.1.1. roots, spinal nerve, communications with sympathetic trunk, anterior/posterior rami and major branches
3.2. Draw a labelled diagram of this CS of the spinal cord and its connections.

4. Activity 4 : Surface Anatomy

Shakir

Palpate on yourself or on your willing and consenting peers the following:
4.1. Spinous processes:
4.1.1. L2
4.1.2. L4 and L4-L5 IV Disc
4.2. Supraspinous ligament

5. Activity 5 : Radiology

Arma
{Refer to radiological images in textbooks & Clinical Imaging software Radiology 2 }
Study the following :
5.1. Lumbar Spine : AP and Lateral Views
5.2. Cross-section CT/MRI at L4/L5

6. Activity 6 : Procedural Anatomy

Zhimei and Carr Men
Study LUMBAR PUNCTURE
6.1.1. At which vertebral level is this procedure usually done and what surface marking is useful?
6.1.2. What other site may be used?
6.1.3. What is the lumbar cistern?
6.1.4. What position would you put the patient for Lumbar puncture
6.1.4.1. Why?
6.1.5. Identify the layers that a needle would puncture to access the subarachnoid space