2024-fall_HA_test4-key

Parasympathetic pathway

A neural pathway characterized by sacral innervation and long pre-ganglionic neurons, involved in restful functions.

Thalamus

A brain structure that processes sensory information, except for olfactory information.

Dorsal horn

The part of the spinal cord that processes sensory information; damage can impair somatic sensations.

Quadriplegia

Loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs, often due to spinal cord injury at or above C2-C3.

Spinal reflex

A reflex that passes through the spinal cord and does not involve the brain.

Somatic reflex

A reflex that involves skeletal muscles as effectors, rather than cardiac/smooth muscles.

Exteroceptor

A type of sensory receptor that detects external stimuli.

Thermoreceptor

A sensory receptor that responds to changes in temperature.

Non-neuron

A type of sensory receptor, like hair cells, which do not have axons and are not classified as neurons.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter released at the effector in a parasympathetic pathway, such as those involving cranial nerve III.

Primary somatosensory cortex

The area of the brain responsible for receiving sensory information from the opposite side of the body.

Somatic motor pathway

A neural pathway that conveys motor commands from the brain to the skeletal muscles.

Temporal lobe

Brain region associated with processing smell and hearing; damage can impair these sensory functions.

Oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III)

A cranial nerve that controls several eye movements and functions.

Conductive hearing loss

A hearing loss that results from damage to structures conducting sound to the cochlea, such as the tympanic membrane.

Optic chiasm

A structure where optic nerve fibers cross; damage can impair visual field perception.

Commissural fibers

CNS fibers that connect the left hemisphere of the brain to the right hemisphere.

Epidural anesthetic

An anesthetic delivered just superficial to the spinal meninges.

Cauda equina

A collection of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord that can be damaged due to vertebral injuries.

Utricle and saccule

Structures in the vestibule of the inner ear that are involved in balance and equilibrium.

Spinocollicular tract

A CNS tract that carries afferent information to the brain.