How many segments does the spinal cord have?

Study for the AAMI Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

How many segments does the spinal cord have?

Explanation:
Spinal cord is organized into metameric segments, with each segment giving rise to a pair of spinal nerves. There are 31 segments in total: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal. The reason for the eight cervical segments is that the C8 nerve exits below the C7 vertebra, while the other regions align with their vertebral levels. Even though the spinal cord ends around the L1–L2 level in adults, the total number of segments remains 31, with the lower nerve roots continuing as the cauda equina.

Spinal cord is organized into metameric segments, with each segment giving rise to a pair of spinal nerves. There are 31 segments in total: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal. The reason for the eight cervical segments is that the C8 nerve exits below the C7 vertebra, while the other regions align with their vertebral levels. Even though the spinal cord ends around the L1–L2 level in adults, the total number of segments remains 31, with the lower nerve roots continuing as the cauda equina.

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