Flashcards on the Peripheral Nervous System and Sensory Processing

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to the Peripheral Nervous System, sensory receptors, reflex arcs, and nerve structure.

What is the main role of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

The PNS connects the Central Nervous System (CNS) to the external world, providing sensory input and motor output.

What are the two main divisions of the motor (efferent) division of the PNS?

The two main divisions are the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

What are three ways to classify sensory receptors?

1. Type of stimulus detected 2. Body location 3. Structural complexity.

What do mechanoreceptors detect?

Mechanoreceptors detect mechanical forces such as touch.

What are proprioceptors and their function?

Proprioceptors monitor body position and include muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.

What is the difference between phasic and tonic receptors?

Phasic receptors signal at the beginning and end of a stimulus; tonic receptors signal continuously.

What is the significance of visceral pain?

Visceral pain results from noxious stimulation and can be interpreted as pain from a different area (referred pain).

What are the components of a reflex arc?

The components include a stimulus, skin receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.

How do tendon reflexes function?

Tendon reflexes help prevent muscle tearing by causing relaxation of the muscle due to excessive tension.

What major cranial nerve is responsible for smell?

Cranial Nerve I, the Olfactory nerve, is responsible for the sense of smell.

What is the patellar reflex and its function?

The patellar reflex is a stretch reflex that maintains muscle tone and prevents the knees from buckling.

What is reciprocal inhibition in the context of reflexes?

Reciprocal inhibition is when one muscle contracts while its antagonist relaxes, such as in the patellar reflex.

What is the primary function of the somatosensory system?

The somatosensory system is responsible for processing sensory input from the body wall and limbs.

Which type of pain is often used as a diagnostic tool due to its connection with the CNS?

Reflex activity is often assessed to evaluate the functionality of the nervous system.

What is the purpose of the crossed-extensor reflex?

The crossed-extensor reflex maintains balance during weight-bearing activities by coordinating withdrawal and extension in opposite limbs.

How many pairs of spinal nerves are there, and how are they classified?

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves classified as sensory, motor, or mixed nerves.