Review of the Nervous System - Chapter 13

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts from Chapter 13 of the nervous system related to the spinal cord and its functions.

What are the main functions of the spinal cord according to Chapter 13?

Conduction, Neural Integration, and Locomotion.

What is meant by Conduction in the context of the spinal cord?

It refers to bundles of nerve fibers that conduct information up and down the cord, connecting different levels of the trunk with each other and with the brain.

What role do Central Pattern Generators play in locomotion?

They control simple repetitive muscle contractions that help with walking.

What are spinal reflexes and why are they important?

Spinal reflexes play vital roles in posture, motor coordination, and protective responses to pain or injury.

How many cervical spinal nerves are there?

There are 8 cervical spinal nerves.

What is the primary function of the gracile fasciculus?

It is an ascending sensory tract that terminates in the upper lumbar region of the vertebral column.

Are all spinal nerves purely sensory or motor?

No, all spinal nerves are mixed nerves, meaning none are purely sensory or motor.

What separates the dura from the bone in the spinal column?

A fat-filled epidural space.

What type of matter are the horns of the spinal cord made of?

Gray matter.

What are corticospinal tracts?

Descending motor tracts in the spinal cord.

What is significant about dermatomes in the spinal cord?

Dermatomes overlap each other by as much as 50%.

Where are somatic reflexes primarily mediated?

They are mediated primarily through the brainstem and cerebellum.

What type of reflex arc is indicated to be common in the lecture notes?

Ipsilateral reflex arcs, which are also frequently polysynaptic.