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Questions and Answers
What are the three major groups of axons?
What are the three major groups of axons?
What are the classifications of nerve fibers based on?
What are the classifications of nerve fibers based on?
amount of myelination, diameter, propagation speeds
What are the four characteristics of A fibers?
What are the four characteristics of A fibers?
largest diameter, myelinated, have a brief absolute refractory period, conduct nerve impulses at speeds of 12 to 130 m/sec
What are some examples of A fibers?
What are some examples of A fibers?
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What are the four characteristics of B fibers?
What are the four characteristics of B fibers?
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What do B fibers do?
What do B fibers do?
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What do B fibers constitute?
What do B fibers constitute?
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What are the four characteristics of C fibers?
What are the four characteristics of C fibers?
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What do the unmyelinated axons of C fibers do?
What do the unmyelinated axons of C fibers do?
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What are some examples of C fibers?
What are some examples of C fibers?
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What are some examples of motor functions of B and C fibers?
What are some examples of motor functions of B and C fibers?
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Study Notes
Classification of Axons
- Three major groups of axons: A fibers, B fibers, C fibers.
Classification Criteria
- Axons are classified based on myelination amount, diameter, and propagation speeds.
Characteristics of A Fibers
- Largest diameter among nerve fibers.
- Myelinated, allowing for faster impulse conduction.
- Brief absolute refractory period enhances rapid signal transmission.
- Conduct nerve impulses at speeds ranging from 12 to 130 m/sec.
Examples of A Fibers
- Sensory neurons for touch, pressure, joint position, and some thermal/pain sensations.
- Motor neurons transmitting impulses to skeletal muscles.
Characteristics of B Fibers
- Medium diameter around 2-3 mm.
- Myelinated, but with a longer absolute refractory period compared to A fibers.
- Exhibit saltatory conduction, enabling speeds up to 15 m/sec.
Functions of B Fibers
- Conduct sensory nerve impulses from visceral organs to the brain and spinal cord.
Role of B Fibers in the Autonomic Nervous System
- Make up axons of autonomic motor neurons connecting the brain and spinal cord to autonomic ganglia.
Characteristics of C Fibers
- Smallest diameter among the three fiber types.
- Unmyelinated, resulting in slower impulse conduction.
- Longest absolute refractory period, slowing down nerve response.
- Propagate impulses at speeds between 0.5 to 2 m/sec.
Functions of C Fiber Axons
- Conduct sensory impulses for pain, touch, pressure, heat, and cold from the skin, as well as visceral pain signals.
Examples of C Fibers
- Autonomic motor fibers extending from autonomic ganglia, stimulating the heart, smooth muscle, and glands.
Motor Functions of B and C Fibers
- Regulate pupil constriction and dilation, heart rate changes, and urinary bladder contraction and relaxation.
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Description
This quiz explores the classification of axons, focusing on A, B, and C fibers. Learn about their characteristics, functions, and propagation speeds. Test your knowledge on how these fibers contribute to sensory and motor functions in the nervous system.