Page 1 Notes — Cartilage Types, Sensory Systems, Ear & Vision, Neurotransmitters, Cranial Nerves, CNS Disorders, Eye/Ear Diseases, and Brachial Plexus Innervation

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering cartilage types, sensory receptors, ear/vision anatomy, neurotransmitters, cranial nerves, CNS disorders, common eye/ear diseases, and key brachial plexus nerves.

Hyaline cartilage

Type of cartilage found in joints and on the ends of ribs.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage found in the ear and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage found in intervertebral discs; provides toughness and resists compression.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect mechanical forces such as touch and pressure.

Thermoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect temperature changes.

Photoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect light (in the retina).

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect chemical stimuli (e.g., taste, smell, blood chemistry).

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that detect painful stimuli.

Pinna (auricle)

Outer ear structure that collects sound.

Auditory canal

Outer ear passage leading to the tympanic membrane.

Ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes)

Three middle ear bones that transmit sound vibrations.

Cochlea

Spiral-shaped organ of hearing in the inner ear.

Semicircular canals

Inner ear structures involved in balance and spatial orientation.

Accommodation

Lens shape changes to focus on near or far objects.

Ciliary muscles

Muscles that contract or relax to adjust lens shape during accommodation.

Pupil

Opening in the iris that regulates light entry.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter that activates muscles (and many autonomic functions).

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in reward and movement.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.

Norepinephrine (NE)

Neurotransmitter involved in alertness and arousal.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

Glutamate

Excitatory neurotransmitter that increases neuronal activity.

Olfactory nerve (CN I)

Sense of smell.

Optic nerve (CN II)

Vision.

Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Eye movements.

Trochlear nerve (CN IV)

Eye movement (superior oblique muscle).

Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Face sensation (and motor functions such as chewing).

Abducens nerve (CN VI)

Eye movement (lateral rectus).

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Facial expression and taste; controls facial muscles.

Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

Hearing and balance.

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Taste and swallowing.

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Autonomic control of thorax and abdomen.

Accessory nerve (CN XI)

Shoulder movement (trapezius and SCM).

Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

Tongue movement.

Parkinson's disease

Dopamine deficiency in the CNS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Demyelination of CNS neurons.

Alzheimer's disease

Memory loss with brain plaques (neurodegenerative).

Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage.

Cataracts

Clouding of the lens.

Otitis media

Middle ear infection.

Meniere's disease

Inner ear fluid imbalance causing vertigo and hearing loss.

Musculocutaneous nerve

Innervates the anterior arm muscles (biceps).

Axillary nerve

Innervates the deltoid and shoulder region.

Radial nerve

Innervates the posterior arm (triceps) and wrist extensors.

Median nerve

Innervates forearm flexors and thumb muscles.

Ulnar nerve

Innervates hand muscles, especially the pinky side.