Neuroanatomy: Spinal Cord and Pathways

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on neuroanatomy, specifically focusing on the spinal cord and its pathways.

Sensory neuron

A neuron bringing information into the nervous system.

Interneuron

A nerve cell that interconnects other neurons and is found only in the CNS.

Motor neuron

A neuron that transmits signals from the CNS to muscles or glands to activate action.

Ipsilateral

Referring to structures on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Referring to structures on the opposite side of the body.

Funiculi

An anatomical division of a large column of white matter in the spinal cord.

Ascending pathways

Neural pathways that carry sensory information from the body to the brain.

Descending pathways

Neural pathways that transmit motor commands from the brain to the body.

Corticospinal tract

A descending pathway that innervates skeletal muscles and activates or inhibits reflexes.

Fasciculus gracilis

A tract of axons in the spinal cord carrying sensory information from the legs.

Fasciculus cuneatus

A tract of axons in the spinal cord carrying sensory information from the arms.

Pyramidal pathways

Neural pathways involved in voluntary motor control that originate in the motor cortex.

Romberg Sign

A test for proprioception that assesses balance.

Atrophy

Muscle wasting or loss of muscle mass.

UMN (Upper Motor Neuron)

Neurons that originate in the brain and send messages to lower motor neurons.

LMN (Lower Motor Neuron)

Neurons that directly innervate skeletal muscles.

Flaccid paralysis

Weakness or loss of muscle tone resulting in soft, limp muscles.

Spastic paralysis

Increased muscle tone and reflexes resulting from damage to UMN.

Clinical correlations

Medical implications and outcomes related to spinal cord injuries or diseases.

Brown-Sequard Syndrome

A condition resulting from hemisection of the spinal cord, causing loss of sensation on one side.