physiology cram

Thalamus

The final relay point for all sensory information (except smell) on its way to the primary somatosensory cortex.

Hypothalamus

The center for homeostasis, regulating hunger, thirst, and body temperature; secretes ADH and Oxytocin.

Medulla Oblongata

Contains vital centers for cardiovascular (heart rate/blood pressure) and respiratory (breathing pace) control.

Broca’s Area

Located in the frontal lobe, it is responsible for motor speech.

Wernicke’s Area

Located at the temporal/parietal junction, it is responsible for language comprehension.

Primary Motor Cortex

Located in the precentral gyrus, it initiates voluntary movement.

Ataxia

A condition resulting from cerebellum damage, characterized by inaccurate movements.

Vestibulospinal Tract Damage

Leads to disorders of balance, coordination, and nystagmus.

Substantia Nigra Damage

Dopamine loss leads to increased muscle tone and rigidity, causing Parkinsonian symptoms.

Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome

Caused by damage to the corticospinal tract.

Corticospinal Tract

The highest order of motor function for fine, digital movements.

Decussate

The process where 90% of fibers cross over at the pyramids of the medulla to form the Lateral Corticospinal Tract.

Rubrospinal Tract

Originates in the Red Nucleus and modulates flexor muscle tone in the upper limbs.

Vestibulospinal Tract

Originates in the vestibular nucleus; maintains upright posture and head-eye coordination.

Resting Membrane Potential

-70mV; the cell is polarized (Positive outside/Na+; Negative inside/K+ and Proteins).

Saltatory Propagation

Rapid conduction where the action potential skips the myelin-covered internodes and depolarizes at the Nodes of Ranvier.

Neuroglia in CNS

Includes Oligodendrocytes (myelin), Astrocytes (blood-brain barrier), and Microglia (immune).

Neuroglia in PNS

Includes Schwann cells (myelin) and Satellite cells (support).

Otolith Organs

Detect linear acceleration; includes utricle (horizontal) and saccule (vertical).

Semicircular Canals

Detect rotational acceleration.

Endolymph

The fluid within the labyrinth, characterized by high K+ and low Na+.

CSF Production

Created by ependymal cells in the choroid plexus at approximately 500 mL/day.

Meninges Order

From outer to inner: Dura → Arachnoid → Pia.

Cranial Nerve II

The Optic nerve, responsible for special sensory function of vision.

Cranial Nerve X

The Vagus nerve, a mixed nerve that controls visceral organs in the thorax and abdomen.

Cranial Nerve Mnemonic

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