Neural Integration and Spinal Cord

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on neural integration and the structure and function of the spinal cord.

What are EPSP and IPSP in neural integration?

EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential) leads to depolarization, while IPSP (inhibitory postsynaptic potential) leads to hyperpolarization.

Define temporal summation.

Temporal summation occurs when intense stimulation by one presynaptic neuron leads to EPSPs that spread to the trigger zone, allowing the postsynaptic neuron to fire.

What is spatial summation?

Spatial summation involves simultaneous stimulation by several presynaptic neurons, resulting in EPSPs that spread to the trigger zone and enable the postsynaptic neuron to fire.

What is the role of presynaptic inhibition?

Presynaptic inhibition reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released when the action potential arrives at the synaptic knob.

What is the effect of facilitation in neural transmission?

Facilitation increases the amount of neurotransmitter released when an action potential arrives, enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter.

How are reflexes classified?

Reflexes can be classified by development (innate or acquired), site of processing (cranial or spinal), nature of motor response (somatic or visceral), and complexity of the neural circuit.

What occurs during a monosynaptic reflex?

In a monosynaptic reflex, the sensory neuron synapses directly on a motor neuron without any interneuron involved.

What is the function of the Golgi tendon reflex?

The Golgi tendon reflex prevents excessive tension on tendons by causing sudden relaxation of the contracting muscle.

What are the three major pathways for somatic sensory pathways?

The three major pathways are: posterior (dorsal) column, anterolateral pathways, and spinocerebellar pathways.

Describe the structure of gray matter in the spinal cord.

Gray matter consists of neuron cell bodies, unmyelinated axons, and neuroglia, and is organized into horns with specific functions such as somatic motor, visceral motor, and sensory nuclei.