Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the spinal cord and spinal nerves, including types of reflexes, neuron types, and associated disorders.

Dorsal root ganglion

Collections of cell bodies of pseudo-unipolar sensory neurons forming dorsal roots.

Reflex

Automatic response to a stimulus that occurs without conscious thought.

Reflex arc

Neural pathway that controls a reflex, consisting of sensory receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and effector organ.

Monosynaptic reflexes

Reflexes that involve no interneurons and consist of a simple pathway.

Polysynaptic reflexes

Reflexes that involve multiple synapses with interneurons.

Innate reflexes

Reflexes that are part of normal development.

Learned reflexes

Reflexes that develop as activities are repeated.

Somatic reflexes

Reflexes involving skeletal muscle.

Golgi tendon reflex

A reflex that prevents muscle damage from excessive tension.

Withdrawal reflex

Function to remove a body limb or part from a painful stimulus.

Reciprocal innervation

A mechanism that causes relaxation of extensor muscle when flexor muscle contracts.

Crossed extensor reflex

A reflex where withdrawal of one limb causes extension of the opposite limb.