Question

multiple choice 2 points
at the end of the spinal cord a number of nerves exit as the __________. these nerves fill the vertebral foramen of the lumbar vertebra.

dorsal equina
cauda equina
cauda perfringes
cauda equina frontalis

Explanation:

Identify the anatomical structure

The question asks for the name of the collection of nerves that exit at the end of the spinal cord and fill the vertebral foramen of the lumbar vertebrae.

Evaluate the options

• dorsal equina: This is an incorrect anatomical term.
• cauda equina: This term literally translates from Latin as "horse's tail." It refers to the bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve rootlets consisting of the second through fifth lumbar nerve pairs, the first through fifth sacral nerve pairs, and the coccygeal nerve, all of which arise from the lumbar enlargement and the conus medullaris of the spinal cord.
• cauda perfringes: This is a fabricated term.
• cauda equina frontalis: This is an incorrect, fabricated anatomical term.

Confirm the correct term

The correct anatomical term for the bundle of nerve roots at the inferior end of the vertebral canal is the cauda equina.

Answer:

• dorsal equina
• cauda equina (Correct answer)
• cauda perfringes
• cauda equina frontalis