Spinal Cord and Autonomic Nervous System Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the spinal cord and autonomic nervous system lecture, aiding students in their exam preparation.

What is referred pain?

Pain perceived in a location other than the site of the painful stimulus, due to shared nerve pathways.

Define dermatomes.

Areas of skin supplied by sensory fibers of a single spinal nerve root.

What virus reawakens during shingles?

Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.

What are the main plexuses of nerves?

Cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral plexuses.

What does the phrenic nerve innervate?

The diaphragm muscle.

What is the function of the median nerve?

It provides sensory and motor functions to the muscles of the forearm and hand.

What is crutch palsy?

Nerve injury caused by improper use of crutches that compresses nerves running to the arm.

How does the common fibular nerve injury affect walking?

It may cause foot drop, resulting in difficulty lifting the foot while walking.

What is the function of the radial nerve?

Innervates the extensor muscles of the forearm, wrist, and fingers.

Define autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary actions and regulates bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion.

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the autonomic nervous system?

It acts as the integrative center for autonomic functions and emotions.

Differentiate between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sympathetic prepares the body for 'fight or flight', while parasympathetic controls 'rest and digest' activities.

What does an upper motor neuron injury indicate?

It can result in a hyperactive reflex.

What does a lower motor neuron injury suggest?

It may cause a hypoactive reflex or loss of muscle function.

What is blood pressure primarily regulated by?

The brainstem as part of the autonomic nervous system.

What type of reflex arc involves one synapse?

Monosynaptic reflex arc.

What does polysynaptic reflex involve?

At least two synapses, including interneurons.

Define visceral sensations.

Sensations derived from internal organs detected by sensory neurons.

What are afferent neurons?

Nerve cells that carry sensory information to the central nervous system.

What types of receptors are involved in reflex actions?

Somatic sensory receptors that detect stimuli.

What is the effect of norepinephrine in the autonomic nervous system?

It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

What type of motor neuron releases acetylcholine?

Preganglionic autonomic motor neurons.

What is the role of the spinal cord in the autonomic nervous system?

It carries out autonomic reflexes and transmits signals.

What is sciatica?

Pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, often due to a herniated disc.

What is a stretch reflex?

A reflexive action that occurs in response to muscle stretching.

What does the term 'ipsilateral' mean?

Referring to structures on the same side of the body.

What does 'contralateral' refer to?

Referring to structures on opposite sides of the body.

What characterizes a hyperactive reflex?

It is overly brisk and can produce rhythmic oscillations.

What does the term 'hypoactive' mean regarding reflexes?

Reflexes that are diminished or absent.

What indicates damage to the lower motor neurons?

A hypoactive reflex.

What initiates a reflex?

A specific stimulus that activates the sensory receptors.

What are the two types of neurotransmitters released by postganglionic neurons?

Acetylcholine and norepinephrine.

What area does the lumbar plexus innervate?

The lower limbs.

What does the term 'visceral motor' refer to?

Involuntary control of internal organs by the autonomic nervous system.

What initiates the withdrawal reflex?

A painful stimulus detected by nociceptors.

What happens during the crossed extensor reflex?

It stabilizes the opposite limb while withdrawing the affected limb.

What type of neurons are involved in the autonomic nervous system?

Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.

What is significant about the common fibular nerve?

It is prone to injury due to proximity to the neck of the fibula.

What part of the body does the cervical plexus mainly innervate?

The neck and parts of the head and shoulders.

What is the primary neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system?

Norepinephrine.

What is the role of the brachial plexus?

To innervate the muscles and skin of the upper limb.

What type of nerve injury occurs during a shoulder dislocation?

Brachial plexus injury.

What is a common result of median nerve injury?

Inability to perform certain movements with the hand, often seen in carpal tunnel syndrome.

What structures are involved in the reflex arc?

Sensory receptors, sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons, and effectors.