Spinal Cord & ReflexesHESI A2 cheat sheet

The pathway and the shortcut

8 key facts 5 practice questions Reviewed Oct 2026

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Structure

Runs from the medulla to about L1–L2
Gray matter inside (cell bodies), white matter outside (tracts)
Protected by vertebrae, meninges and CSF

Pathways

Ascending tracts carry sensation up
Descending tracts carry motor commands down

Reflex Arc

Receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → effector
Bypasses the brain, which is why it is fast

Clinical

Injury level predicts the function lost below it

Key takeaway

The pathway and the shortcut

Before you read

Test yourself first: 5 questions

Question 1 of 5

The spinal cord is protected by the:

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