90 Questions
Where do autonomic motor neurons house their cell bodies?
In lateral horns of gray matter
What do spinal nerves result from?
Fusion of dorsal and ventral roots
What are neurons in the white matter regions a part of?
Neuron relay
What do ascending tracts transmit?
Sensory signals from the PNS to the CNS
What is the path of the first-order neuron?
Sensory receptors to posterior roots to posterior horns
What do first-order neurons ascend through?
Posterior Funiculus
What will second-order neurons be excited by?
First-order neurons in the medulla oblongata
What is the polarity of the second-order neuron?
Multipolar
What is the pathway if decussation occurs?
Contralateral
What is the cause of Poliomyelitis?
Transmitted via fecal-oral route
Which type of neurons are destroyed in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Ventral horn motor neurons
What is the cause of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Glutamate excitotoxicity and autoimmune attack
What is the function of the perineurium?
Surrounds fascicles
How many pairs of cervical nerves are there?
8
What is the function of the phrenic nerve?
Innervates the diaphragm
What is the sciatic nerve a combination of?
Tibial and common fibular nerves
What is the function of somatic reflexes?
Affect skeletal muscles
What is the function of the axillary nerve?
Innervates the lateral shoulder
What is the function of the radial nerve?
Innervates the lateral forearm
What is the function of the musculocutaneous nerve?
Innervates the anterior forearm
What is the primary function of the spinal cord?
To facilitate neural integration and conduction
What is the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord responsible for?
Servicing upper and lower limbs
What is the significance of the cauda equina?
It is a collection of nerve roots from L2-S5
What is the function of the gray commissure?
To act as a median bridge connecting the right and left sides of gray matter
Where do sensory neurons enter the spinal cord?
Through the posterior roots
What is the primary function of the gray matter regions?
To facilitate synaptic transmission between neurons
What is the posterior root ganglia?
A ganglion containing the cell bodies of incoming sensory neurons
What is the primary function of the meninges?
To separate the brain and spinal cord from their surrounding structures
What is the significance of the posterior horns?
They are the site of synaptic transmission between sensory neurons and interneurons
What can sensory neurons do after entering the spinal cord gray matter?
They can either synapse with another neuron, cross over to the other side of the spinal cord, or continue on to the brain
What is the main function of the cervical enlargement in the spinal cord?
It is the region where nerves serving upper and lower limbs arise
What is the primary function of the gray commissure in the spinal cord?
It connects the right and left sides of gray matter
What is the significance of the posterior root ganglia in the spinal cord?
It contains the cell bodies of incoming sensory neurons
What is the function of the meninges in the spinal cord?
It separates the brain from the cranium and spinal cord from the vertebral canal
What is the significance of the cauda equina in the spinal cord?
It is a collection of nerve roots from L2-S5
What is the primary function of the gray matter regions in the spinal cord?
It is the site of synapse between incoming sensory neurons and motor neurons
What is the significance of the posterior horns in the spinal cord?
Sensory neurons enter the spinal cord gray matter through this region
What is the main function of the four primary functions of the spinal cord?
Conduction, neural integration, locomotion, and reflexes
What is the significance of the medullary cone in the spinal cord?
It is the end of the spinal cord
What is the significance of the three layers of the meninges in the spinal cord?
Dura, arachnoid, and pia mater
What is the main function of the neurons in the posterior horns of the spinal cord?
to integrate sensory information and transmit signals to the autonomic motor neurons
What is the significance of the decussation of second-order neurons in the medulla oblongata?
it allows for the transmission of signals to the contralateral side of the brain
What is the primary function of the white matter regions of the spinal cord?
to contain bundles of neurons traveling up and down the spinal cord
What is the function of the third-order neurons in the thalamus?
to integrate sensory information and transmit signals to the cerebral cortex
What is the pathway of the sensory signals if decussation does not occur?
ipsilateral
What is the function of the posterior roots of the spinal cord?
to transmit signals from the sensory receptors to the spinal cord
What type of neurons are the first-order neurons in the spinal cord?
unipolar
What is the significance of the anterior roots of the spinal cord?
they merge with the posterior roots to form the spinal nerves
What is the primary function of the ascending tracts in the spinal cord?
to transmit signals from the PNS to higher centers
What is the primary function of the gray matter regions of the spinal cord?
to process and integrate sensory information
What is the primary function of the epineurium?
To enclose all fascicles to form a nerve
Which type of neurons are destroyed in Poliomyelitis?
Anterior horn motor neurons
What is the primary function of the endoneurium?
To surround the axon and provide support
What is the significance of the dermatomes?
They are the area of the skin innervated by the cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve
What is the primary function of the nerve plexus?
To form a complex network of nerves that serve the limbs
What is the primary function of the ulnar nerve?
To innervate the muscles of the medial forearm
What is the primary function of the medial nerve?
To innervate the muscles of the anterior forearm
What is the primary function of the sciatic nerve?
To transmit signals from the spinal cord to the muscles of the lower limb
What is the significance of the reflexes?
They are unlearned responses to stimuli that affect skeletal muscles
What is the primary function of the posterior ramus?
To innervate muscles of that region and joints of skin and back
What is the primary function of the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord?
To facilitate nerve impulses to and from the upper and lower limbs
What is the primary function of the gray commissure?
To connect the right and left sides of gray matter
What is the function of the meninges?
To separate the brain and spinal cord from surrounding bones
Where do sensory neurons enter the spinal cord?
Through the posterior roots
What is the significance of the cauda equina?
It is a collection of nerve roots from L1-S5
What is the function of the posterior root ganglia?
To contain the cell bodies of incoming sensory neurons
What is the primary function of the gray matter regions?
To facilitate synapse between incoming sensory neurons, interneurons, and outgoing motor neurons
What are the three different gray matter regions?
Posterior, anterior, and lateral horns
What is the significance of the medullary cone?
It represents the end of the spinal cord
What is the primary function of the spinal cord?
To enable neural integration, conduction, reflexes, and locomotion
Which type of neurons are affected in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Ventral horn motor neurons
What is the primary function of the perineurium?
To provide structural support to the nerve
What is the main function of the phrenic nerves?
To innervate the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles
What is the sciatic nerve?
The longest and thickest nerve in the body
What is the function of the axillary nerve?
To innervate the muscles of the shoulder and arm
What is the primary function of the musculocutaneous nerve?
To innervate the muscles of the forearm
What is the function of the radial nerve?
To innervate the muscles of the lateral forearm
What is the function of the ulnar nerve?
To innervate the muscles of the medial forearm
What is the primary function of the somatic reflexes?
To effect skeletal muscles
What is the primary function of the autonomic reflexes?
To regulate cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands
What is the primary function of the neurons in the posterior roots of the spinal cord?
Transmitting signals from the PNS to the CNS
What is the significance of the decussation of second-order neurons in the medulla oblongata?
It facilitates the transmission of sensory signals to the contralateral side of the brain
What is the primary function of the white matter regions of the spinal cord?
Facilitating the transmission of signals between different regions of the CNS
What type of neurons are the second-order neurons in the medulla oblongata?
Multipolar neurons
What is the significance of the anterior roots of the spinal cord?
They control voluntary motor movements
What is the pathway of the sensory signals if decussation does not occur?
Ipsilateral
What is the primary function of the third-order neurons in the thalamus?
Transmitting sensory information to the cerebral cortex
What is the significance of the posterior horn cells in the spinal cord?
They integrate sensory information from the periphery
What is the primary function of the ascending tracts in the spinal cord?
Transmitting sensory information from the PNS to the CNS
What is the significance of the gray matter regions in the spinal cord?
They integrate sensory information from the periphery
Study Notes
Spinal Cord Functions
- Conduction, neural integration, locomotion, and reflexes are the four primary functions of the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Regions
- Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions are named for the location of emerging spinal nerves.
- 31 pairs of spinal nerves arise from these regions.
Cervical Enlargement
- Thickened regions of the spinal cord where nerves serving upper and lower limbs arise.
Medullary Cone or Conus Medullaris
- Represents the end of the spinal cord.
Cauda Equina
- A collection of nerve roots from L2-S5 that differs from other regions of the spinal cord.
Gray Commissure
- A median bridge connecting the right and left sides of gray matter.
Gray Matter Regions
- The site of synapse between incoming sensory neurons, interneurons, and outgoing motor neurons.
- Consists of posterior, anterior, and lateral horns.
Posterior Root Ganglia
- Contains the cell bodies of incoming sensory neurons.
Meninges
- Connective tissue membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Separates the brain from the cranium and the spinal cord from the vertebral canal.
- Consists of three layers: dura, arachnoid, and pia mater.
Sensory Neurons
- Enter the spinal cord gray matter through posterior roots.
- Can synapse with another neuron, cross over to the other side of the spinal cord, or exit the gray matter.
Autonomic Motor Neurons
- House their cell bodies in lateral horns of gray matter.
- Exit the spinal cord through anterior roots, which merge with posterior roots to form spinal nerves.
Spinal Nerves
- Result from the fusion of dorsal and ventral roots.
- Can be divided into posterior ramus and anterior ramus.
- Posterior ramus innervates muscles of that region and joints of skin and back.
- Anterior ramus innervates anterior and lateral skin and muscles of the trunk and the limbs.
Poliomyelitis
- Caused by transmission via fecal-oral route.
- Destroys anterior horn motor neurons.
- Symptoms: paralysis develops and muscles atrophy.
- Medical treatments or preventions: vaccines.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Caused by glutamate excitotoxicity or autoimmune attack.
- Destroys ventral horn motor neurons.
- Symptoms: loss of ability to speak, swallow, and breathe.
- Medical treatments or preventions: riluzole, which inhibits glutamate release and prolongs life.
Nerve Structure
- Parallel bundles of peripheral axons enclosed by connective tissue.
- Endoneurium: a sheet of loose connective tissue and the basal lamina surrounding the axon.
- Fascicles: bundles of axons wrapped in perineurium.
- Perineurium: a thicker connective tissue layer surrounding fascicles.
- Epineurium: a fibrous sheet enclosing all fascicles to form a nerve.
Plexuses
- Nerve plexus: interlacing networks that primarily serve the limbs.
- Example: brachial plexus.
Dermatomes
- The area of the skin innervated by the cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve.
Diagnostic Terms
- Sciatica: characterized by stabbing pain over the course of the sciatic nerve.
- Somatosensory reflexes: unlearned reflexes that affect skeletal muscles.
- Autonomic reflexes: unlearned reflexes of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.
Spinal Cord Functions
- Conduction, neural integration, locomotion, and reflexes are the four primary functions of the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Regions
- Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions are named for the location of emerging spinal nerves.
- 31 pairs of spinal nerves arise from these regions.
Cervical Enlargement
- Thickened regions of the spinal cord where nerves serving upper and lower limbs arise.
Medullary Cone or Conus Medullaris
- Represents the end of the spinal cord.
Cauda Equina
- A collection of nerve roots from L2-S5 that differs from other regions of the spinal cord.
Gray Commissure
- A median bridge connecting the right and left sides of gray matter.
Gray Matter Regions
- The site of synapse between incoming sensory neurons, interneurons, and outgoing motor neurons.
- Consists of posterior, anterior, and lateral horns.
Posterior Root Ganglia
- Contains the cell bodies of incoming sensory neurons.
Meninges
- Connective tissue membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Separates the brain from the cranium and the spinal cord from the vertebral canal.
- Consists of three layers: dura, arachnoid, and pia mater.
Sensory Neurons
- Enter the spinal cord gray matter through posterior roots.
- Can synapse with another neuron, cross over to the other side of the spinal cord, or exit the gray matter.
Autonomic Motor Neurons
- House their cell bodies in lateral horns of gray matter.
- Exit the spinal cord through anterior roots, which merge with posterior roots to form spinal nerves.
Spinal Nerves
- Result from the fusion of dorsal and ventral roots.
- Can be divided into posterior ramus and anterior ramus.
- Posterior ramus innervates muscles of that region and joints of skin and back.
- Anterior ramus innervates anterior and lateral skin and muscles of the trunk and the limbs.
Poliomyelitis
- Caused by transmission via fecal-oral route.
- Destroys anterior horn motor neurons.
- Symptoms: paralysis develops and muscles atrophy.
- Medical treatments or preventions: vaccines.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Caused by glutamate excitotoxicity or autoimmune attack.
- Destroys ventral horn motor neurons.
- Symptoms: loss of ability to speak, swallow, and breathe.
- Medical treatments or preventions: riluzole, which inhibits glutamate release and prolongs life.
Nerve Structure
- Parallel bundles of peripheral axons enclosed by connective tissue.
- Endoneurium: a sheet of loose connective tissue and the basal lamina surrounding the axon.
- Fascicles: bundles of axons wrapped in perineurium.
- Perineurium: a thicker connective tissue layer surrounding fascicles.
- Epineurium: a fibrous sheet enclosing all fascicles to form a nerve.
Plexuses
- Nerve plexus: interlacing networks that primarily serve the limbs.
- Example: brachial plexus.
Dermatomes
- The area of the skin innervated by the cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve.
Diagnostic Terms
- Sciatica: characterized by stabbing pain over the course of the sciatic nerve.
- Somatosensory reflexes: unlearned reflexes that affect skeletal muscles.
- Autonomic reflexes: unlearned reflexes of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.
Spinal Cord Functions
- Conduction, neural integration, locomotion, and reflexes are the four primary functions of the spinal cord.
Spinal Cord Regions
- Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions are named for the location of emerging spinal nerves.
- 31 pairs of spinal nerves arise from these regions.
Cervical Enlargement
- Thickened regions of the spinal cord where nerves serving upper and lower limbs arise.
Medullary Cone or Conus Medullaris
- Represents the end of the spinal cord.
Cauda Equina
- A collection of nerve roots from L2-S5 that differs from other regions of the spinal cord.
Gray Commissure
- A median bridge connecting the right and left sides of gray matter.
Gray Matter Regions
- The site of synapse between incoming sensory neurons, interneurons, and outgoing motor neurons.
- Consists of posterior, anterior, and lateral horns.
Posterior Root Ganglia
- Contains the cell bodies of incoming sensory neurons.
Meninges
- Connective tissue membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Separates the brain from the cranium and the spinal cord from the vertebral canal.
- Consists of three layers: dura, arachnoid, and pia mater.
Sensory Neurons
- Enter the spinal cord gray matter through posterior roots.
- Can synapse with another neuron, cross over to the other side of the spinal cord, or exit the gray matter.
Autonomic Motor Neurons
- House their cell bodies in lateral horns of gray matter.
- Exit the spinal cord through anterior roots, which merge with posterior roots to form spinal nerves.
Spinal Nerves
- Result from the fusion of dorsal and ventral roots.
- Can be divided into posterior ramus and anterior ramus.
- Posterior ramus innervates muscles of that region and joints of skin and back.
- Anterior ramus innervates anterior and lateral skin and muscles of the trunk and the limbs.
Poliomyelitis
- Caused by transmission via fecal-oral route.
- Destroys anterior horn motor neurons.
- Symptoms: paralysis develops and muscles atrophy.
- Medical treatments or preventions: vaccines.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Caused by glutamate excitotoxicity or autoimmune attack.
- Destroys ventral horn motor neurons.
- Symptoms: loss of ability to speak, swallow, and breathe.
- Medical treatments or preventions: riluzole, which inhibits glutamate release and prolongs life.
Nerve Structure
- Parallel bundles of peripheral axons enclosed by connective tissue.
- Endoneurium: a sheet of loose connective tissue and the basal lamina surrounding the axon.
- Fascicles: bundles of axons wrapped in perineurium.
- Perineurium: a thicker connective tissue layer surrounding fascicles.
- Epineurium: a fibrous sheet enclosing all fascicles to form a nerve.
Plexuses
- Nerve plexus: interlacing networks that primarily serve the limbs.
- Example: brachial plexus.
Dermatomes
- The area of the skin innervated by the cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve.
Diagnostic Terms
- Sciatica: characterized by stabbing pain over the course of the sciatic nerve.
- Somatosensory reflexes: unlearned reflexes that affect skeletal muscles.
- Autonomic reflexes: unlearned reflexes of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.
This quiz covers the primary functions of the spinal cord, including conduction, neural integration, locomotion, and reflexes. It also explores the different regions of the spinal cord and their corresponding spinal nerves.
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