Neuroscience Case Study: Lumbar Tumor Effects

Intraspinal Tumour

Tumour located within the spinal canal.

Flaccid Paralysis

Weakness with no muscle tone or reflex.

Fasciculations

Random muscle fiber contractions due to neuron damage.

Hyporeflexia

Reduced reflexes indicating lower motor neuron dysfunction.

Lumbar Spine

Region of spine with five vertebrae (L1-L5).

Lumbar Spinal Nerves

Nerves controlling lower body sensations and movements.

Anterior Horn Cells

Lower motor neurons transmitting motor commands.

Peripheral Nervous System

Nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

Spinothalamic Tract

Pathway carrying pain and temperature sensations.

Second-Order Neurons

Neurons relaying signals from spinal cord to thalamus.

Dorsal Horn

Spinal cord region receiving sensory input.

Ventral Part of Spinal Cord

Location where second-order neurons cross sides.

Thalamus

Brain region processing sensory information.

Impaired Bladder Function

Loss of bladder control due to nerve disruption.

Sympathetic Pathways

Nerves controlling fight-or-flight responses.

Parasympathetic Pathways

Nerves managing rest-and-digest functions.

Sacral Spinal Segments

Spinal segments controlling bladder and bowel functions.

Motor Commands

Signals from brain to initiate muscle movement.

Afferent Impulses

Nerve signals traveling towards the spinal cord.

Efferent Impulses

Nerve signals traveling away from the spinal cord.

Neurogenic Bladder

Bladder dysfunction due to nervous system issues.

Lower Motor Neurons

Neurons connecting spinal cord to muscles.

Centrally Located Tumour

Tumour affecting both sides of the spinal cord.