Neuro Physiology

afferent nerves

send impulses from receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints to the central nervous system

What is nociceptor

pain receptor

What is a mechanoreceptor?

respond to touch, pressure, vibration, and stretch

What is a thermoreceptor?

responds to temperature changes

what is a proprioceptor

-originate in muscles and joints
-provide information about location
-enables balance and maintenance of posture

Two types of efferent nerves

somatic and autonomic

Where are neurotransmitters stored?

synaptic vesicles

function of thalamus

sensory relay station

function of hypothalamus

body temperature, sleep, appetite, emotions, control of the pituitary gland

function of brain stem

midbrain- relay station between pons and cerebrum
pons-processes information from cranial nerves

function of medulla oblongata

CV- controls force of cardiac contraction, regulates BP
Resp- controls rate and depth of respirations
reflex centre- coughing, sneezing, vomiting
reticular system- filters information relayed to brain
crossing of pyramids- crossover of motor tracts

function of cerebellum

-Balance and coordination
-control is subconscious
-recieves information from eyes, inner ears, propriorecptors
-plays role in learning and language

What is a dermatome?

specific segment of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve