textbook chapter 13

what are the four principal functions of the spinal cord

conduction, neural integration, locomotion, reflexes

which spinal structures are made of gray matter

anterior, posterior, and lateral horns

which are ascending tracts

posterior funiculus, gracile fasciculus, cuneate fasciculus, spinothalamic tract, spinoreticular tract, anterolateral system

which are descending tracts 

lateral corticospinal tract, medial vestibulospinal tract, tectospinal tract, medial reticulospinal tract

what initiates the action potential in a light touch

tactile corpuscles

where do first-order neurons synapse

anterior horn

when does the transfer occur

prior to decussation

which tract carries the signal upward

spinothalamic tract

which side of the thalamus receives the signal

contralateral

where does conscious perception occur

primary somatosensory cortex

where is a spinal tap usually taken

between L3 and L4

what is true about dermatomes

dermatomes overlap at their edges by as much as 50%

what is the reflex called when the same muscle contracts quickly 

stretch reflex 

what triggers the receptor 

stimulus (e.g. reflex hammer) 

what does the afferent neuron synapse with

efferent neuron

what type of reflex arc is this

monosynaptic

what are the quadriceps in the patellar reflex

effectors

what is it called when antagonist are inhibited

reciprocal inhibition

how does the spinal cord achieve locomotion

through groups of neurons called central pattern generators

what is a reflex

a stereotyped, involuntary response to stimulus