Overview of Peripheral Nervous System and Sensory Receptors

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the peripheral nervous system and sensory receptors as discussed in the lecture notes.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions, divided into the sympathetic ('Fight or Flight') and parasympathetic ('Rest and Digest') systems.

Sensory Division

Part of the PNS that includes sensory neurons carrying signals from the body to the central nervous system (CNS).

Somatic Sensory Division

Sensory neurons that transmit signals from muscles, bones, joints, and skin to the CNS.

Visceral Sensory Division

Sensory neurons that carry signals from internal organs to the CNS.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that connect directly to the brain and innervate structures of the head and neck.

Spinal Nerves

Thirty-one pairs of mixed nerves that branch from the spinal cord; serve various parts of the body.

Epineurium

Connective tissue sheath surrounding each nerve.

Perineurium

Connective tissue sheath surrounding each fascicle (a group of axons).

Endoneurium

Connective tissue sheath surrounding each individual axon.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells that detect stimuli and convert them into electrical signals.

Referred Pain

Pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus, often involving visceral and somatic pathways.

Mechanoreceptor

A type of sensory receptor that responds to mechanical deformation, including touch and pressure.

Nociceptor

Sensory neuron that detects harmful stimuli, perceived as pain.

Two-Point Discrimination

A test of sensory nerve function that measures the ability to perceive two distinct points of touch.

Dermatome

An area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve root.

Golgi Tendon Reflex

A protective reflex that prevents muscle damage by inhibiting muscle contractions in response to excessive tension.

Cranial Nerve Reflexes

Polysynaptic reflexes involving cranial nerves, such as the gag reflex and corneal blink reflex.

Simple Stretch Reflex

A monosynaptic reflex that facilitates the contraction of a muscle in response to its stretching.

Proprioceptors

Sensory receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints that provide information about body position.