Chapter 13 - Section 13.1 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 504: 3

The spinal cord is divided into four distinct regions, each with its unique characteristics and functions. These regions are named based on their location and the corresponding regions of the vertebral column. Here are the four regions of the spinal cord and the basis for their names: 1. **Cervical Region:** - Location: The cervical region is the uppermost part of the spinal cord, located within the cervical vertebrae of the neck. - Basis for Name: It is named "cervical" because it corresponds to the cervical vertebrae in the neck, specifically from C1 (the first cervical vertebra) to C7 (the seventh cervical vertebra). 2. **Thoracic Region:** - Location: The thoracic region of the spinal cord is situated within the thoracic vertebrae, which are the middle segment of the vertebral column, forming the upper back. - Basis for Name: It is named "thoracic" because it corresponds to the thoracic vertebrae, which are numbered from T1 (the first thoracic vertebra) to T12 (the twelfth thoracic vertebra). 3. **Lumbar Region:** - Location: The lumbar region is located within the lumbar vertebrae, which are the lower segment of the vertebral column, forming the lower back. - Basis for Name: It is named "lumbar" because it corresponds to the lumbar vertebrae, specifically from L1 (the first lumbar vertebra) to L5 (the fifth lumbar vertebra). 4. **Sacral Region:** - Location: The sacral region is situated within the sacral vertebrae, which are fused to form the sacrum at the base of the vertebral column. - Basis for Name: It is named "sacral" because it corresponds to the sacral vertebrae, which are typically fused and do not have individual numbering. The spinal cord extends into the sacral canal, where it terminates as the conus medullaris before transitioning into the cauda equina. Each of these regions of the spinal cord serves specific functions and gives rise to nerve roots that innervate different parts of the body. For example, the cervical region controls functions in the neck and upper extremities, while the lumbar and sacral regions are responsible for functions in the lower extremities and pelvic region. Understanding these regions is crucial for diagnosing and treating neurological conditions and injuries related to the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is divided into four distinct regions, each with its unique characteristics and functions. These regions are named based on their location and the corresponding regions of the vertebral column. Here are the four regions of the spinal cord and the basis for their names: 1. **Cervical Region:** - Location: The cervical region is the uppermost part of the spinal cord, located within the cervical vertebrae of the neck. - Basis for Name: It is named "cervical" because it corresponds to the cervical vertebrae in the neck, specifically from C1 (the first cervical vertebra) to C7 (the seventh cervical vertebra). 2. **Thoracic Region:** - Location: The thoracic region of the spinal cord is situated within the thoracic vertebrae, which are the middle segment of the vertebral column, forming the upper back. - Basis for Name: It is named "thoracic" because it corresponds to the thoracic vertebrae, which are numbered from T1 (the first thoracic vertebra) to T12 (the twelfth thoracic vertebra). 3. **Lumbar Region:** - Location: The lumbar region is located within the lumbar vertebrae, which are the lower segment of the vertebral column, forming the lower back. - Basis for Name: It is named "lumbar" because it corresponds to the lumbar vertebrae, specifically from L1 (the first lumbar vertebra) to L5 (the fifth lumbar vertebra). 4. **Sacral Region:** - Location: The sacral region is situated within the sacral vertebrae, which are fused to form the sacrum at the base of the vertebral column. - Basis for Name: It is named "sacral" because it corresponds to the sacral vertebrae, which are typically fused and do not have individual numbering. The spinal cord extends into the sacral canal, where it terminates as the conus medullaris before transitioning into the cauda equina. Each of these regions of the spinal cord serves specific functions and gives rise to nerve roots that innervate different parts of the body. For example, the cervical region controls functions in the neck and upper extremities, while the lumbar and sacral regions are responsible for functions in the lower extremities and pelvic region. Understanding these regions is crucial for diagnosing and treating neurological conditions and injuries related to the spinal cord.