Review of Tracts in the CNS, Brain Functions, and Muscle Physiology

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to the central nervous system, brain structure functions, and muscle physiology for exam preparation.

What is a tract in the CNS?

A group of axons.

What are the two categories of tracts in the spinal cord?

Ascending (Sensory) and Descending (Motor).

What does the spinothalamic tract transmit?

Pain and temperature.

What is the function of the dorsal columns in the spinal cord?

Fine touch and vibration.

What does the corticospinal tract control?

Voluntary movement.

What are the four main parts of the brainstem?

Midbrain, Pons, Medulla.

What region of the brain is primarily responsible for balance and coordination?

Cerebellum.

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

Homeostasis including hunger, thirst, and temperature regulation.

What is myelin's main function?

To speed up an action potential.

Which part of the neuron is destroyed in multiple sclerosis?

Myelin.

What two parts make up the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic.

What does the term somatic sensory refer to?

Sensory information coming from skeletal muscles, bones, skin, and joints.

What is the function of the pons?

Breathing control and serving as a bridge between brain parts.

What does the frontal lobe control?

Skeletal muscle movement, thinking, and memory.

What type of cartilage is found in synchondrosis?

Hyaline cartilage.

What type of cartilage is involved in symphysis?

Fibrocartilage.

What are fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cutaneous responsible for?

Lower and upper body sensory, respectively.

What is the mechanism of the dorsal columns?

Sensory nerve goes up on the same side, crosses in the medulla, then to the thalamus and sensory cortex.

What does the spinal cord spinocerebellar tract carry?

Unconscious proprioception.

How does the corticospinal tract transmit its function?

Motor cortex crosses in medulla, travels down spinal cord, synapses on motor neurons.

What is the primary function of the thalamus?

Sorts out and edits sensory information.

Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers?

Cranial nerve 10/Vagus nerve.