Neuro Physiology 2 pdf

What does the somatic nervous system control?

Voluntary movements through the regulation of skeletal muscles.

What are the two types of motor neuron diseases?

Upper motor neuron disease (UMND) and lower motor neuron disease (LMND).

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

What neurotransmitter do preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) release?

Acetylcholine (ACh).

Where do sympathetic nervous system nerves originate from?

Thoracolumbar region (T1-L2) of the spinal cord.

Which part of the ANS is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response?

Parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS).

What is the anatomical origin of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Craniosacral division, including cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X and the sacral spinal cord.

What major functions does the sympathetic nervous system activate?

Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion suppression.

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?

Norepinephrine (NE).

What are chromaffin cells?

Cells in the adrenal medulla that are part of the sympathetic nervous system.

What are the components of the two-neuron effect in the ANS?

One preganglionic neuron and one postganglionic neuron.

What happens during urinary bladder control by the PSNS?

Increased activity and contraction of the bladder.

What is the function of the enteric nervous system?

Controls gastrointestinal functions independently of the CNS.

What type of fibers are involved in the ANS?

One afferent fiber and two efferent fibers.

What results from upper motor neuron damage?

Spastic paralysis and hyperreflexia.

What results from lower motor neuron damage?

Flaccid paralysis, muscle atrophy, and loss of reflexes.

What is the main function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Contribute to the blood-brain barrier and provide physical support.

What is the primary effect of norepinephrine in the SNS?

Activation of the body's 'fight or flight' response.

What is the difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system effects on salivary glands?

SNS produces scant, viscous saliva while PSNS produces water and profuse saliva.

What does the reticular formation regulate?

Sleep and general excitability of higher brain structures.

What phenomenon results from a lesion in the spinal cord?

Tetraplegia or paraplegia, depending on the location of the lesion.

What is the mechanism of action for G-proteins in signaling pathways?

They interact with effector proteins to regulate downstream signaling processes.

What is the effect of the Gi pathway on cAMP levels?

Inhibits adenylate cyclase, decreasing cAMP levels.

What types of receptors do catecholamines bind to?

Alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.

What alters the heart rate through G-protein coupled receptors?

Opening or closing potassium and calcium ion channels.

What does the cAMP pathway modulate?

Gene transcription, metabolism, and ion channel regulation.

What are the symptoms of Horner’s syndrome?

Miosis, ptosis, anhidrosis, and enophthalmos.

What is the primary function of the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Controls voluntary movement of the pharynx and smooth muscles of the pharynx.

What are signs of cerebellar disease?

Head tremors, intention tremors, and balance issues.

What occurs in spinal cord lesions at C1-C5?

Can cause tetraplegia.

What physiological condition can lead to milk fever in dairy cows?

Hypocalcemia.

What are the symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure?

Can include altered consciousness and neurological deficits.

What is the role of postganglionic fibers in the SNS?

They travel to target organs to exert effects.

What is the effect of dopamine in the SNS?

Released in certain vascular beds and contributes to sympathetic responses.

In terms of neurogenesis, what are ependymal cells involved in?

Production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

How does botulinum toxin affect neuromuscular junctions?

Blocks release of acetylcholine, leading to flaccid paralysis.

What can trigger gait abnormalities and lack of coordination?

Nerve damage, particularly in spinal cords with compressions.

What is the function of the vestibulospinal tract?

Ensures postural adjustments for balance.

What does spinal nerve stimulation target?

Specific nerve roots to treat disorders.

What premises the treatment using sacral nerve stimulation?

It modulates sensory and motor functions in pelvic region.

What is the clinical significance of dermatome patterns?

Helps localize lesions and associated neurological defects.

What are the consequences of lower motor neuron lesions?

Causes paralysis and diminishes muscle tone.

What is neurotransmission?

The process by which signals are transmitted between neurons through synapses.

What role do dendrites play in a neuron?

Dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons.

What is myelin?

A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers, speeding up neurotransmission.

What is a synapse?

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

What function does the brainstem serve?

Controls basic life functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

What is plasticity in the context of the nervous system?

The ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.

What is the primary role of glial cells?

Support and protect neurons in the central nervous system.

What is a reflex arc?

The neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

What is the function of the thalamus?

Acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

What are sensory neurons?

Neurons that transmit sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

What are motor neurons?

Neurons that carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

What role do neurotransmitters play?

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

What is the blood-brain barrier?

A selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood.

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Regulates hormones that control various bodily functions, including growth and metabolism.

What is the primary role of the cerebellum?

Coordinates voluntary movements and regulates balance and posture.

What is neurogenesis?

The process of generating new neurons in the brain.

What is an action potential?

A rapid electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.

What is the function of the hippocampus?

Involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.

What are endorphins?

Neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers.

What is the significance of brain lateralization?

The specialization of the brain hemispheres to perform different functions.

What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

Controls involuntary body functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

What is the role of the amygdala?

Involved in emotion regulation and the processing of fear.

What is the medulla oblongata responsible for?

Regulating autonomic functions such as heartbeat and respiration.

What is a ganglion?

A collection of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system.

What is the role of the somatic nervous system?

Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information.

What is multiple sclerosis?

A disease that affects the myelin sheath and disrupts communication between the brain and body.

What does the term 'electroencephalogram' (EEG) refer to?

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain.

What is a stroke?

A medical condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage.

What is neurodegeneration?

The gradual loss of neuron function and structure, often seen in diseases like Alzheimer's.

What can trigger the fight-or-flight response?

Stressors such as danger or threat initiate the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

What are motor synapse pathways?

Motor synapse pathways are neural connections that transmit signals from motor neurons to muscles, facilitating voluntary movements.