Neuroanatomy Chapter 10 And 11

Front 1

When there is damage to the lower motor neurons, what can occur?

Back 1

Flaccid paralysis, icnluding muscle atrophy and decreased or complete motor function

Front 2

What characteristic of alpha (motor) neurons allows several of them to innervate one single muscle?

Back 2

They are arranged in longitudinally oriented groups, those that are for axial muscles (of trunk) are more medial and those taht are for limb muscles are more lateral in the anterior horn of a spinal nerve.

Front 3

What are the 2 prominent nuclei in the cervical spinal region and what are their functions?

Back 3

1. Spinal accessory nucleus which run from the spinal medulla to C5 and these are axons that join to create the accessory nerve (cranial nerve 11)
2. Phrenic Nucleus is located from C3-C5 and its axons innervate the diaphragm therefore allowing us to breathe independently.

Front 4

Describe the intermediate gray matter of spinal segments?

Back 4

Located between anterior and posterior horns, therefore has characteristics of both, and also has preganglionic autonomic neurons which innervate our viscera to complete autonomic functions (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
More specifically, the intermediolateral cell column are sympathetic nervous system neurons that are located from T1-L3 and leave through ventral roots whereas sacral parasympathetic nucleus are intermediate gray matter of S2-S4 which leave through ventral roots and innervate postganglionic parasmypathetic neurons for pelvic viscera (i.e. bladder, uterus)

Front 5

What are tracts or fasciculi?

Back 5

Bundles of axons with the same origin, course, and termination. A bundle of tracts or fasciculi is a funiculus or column.

Front 6

Name and describe the three main funiculi on each half of the spinal cord?

Back 6

1. Posterior funiculus is located between the posterior median sulcus and posterior horn and it can be subdividied into the fasciculus gracilis which is located more medially and the fasciculus cuneatus which is more lateral.
2. Lateral funiculus located between sites where dorsal and ventral roots emerge from the SC
3. Anterior funiculus is located at sites where ventral roots emerge from the spinal cord and anterior median fissure.

Hint 6

1.

Front 7

Explain how spinal reflexes work....

Back 7

It is a discharge of an efferent motor neuron in response to afferent stimulation of sufficient intensity; involuntary and stereotyped response; at minimum they inolve a sensory receptor, an afferent (sensory, pseudounipolar) neuron, a synapse, and an efferent (motor) neuron

Front 8

Explain the three functions of the brainstem....

Back 8

1. It is a CONDUIT meaning that it contains ascending and descending tracts that connect SC to rest of brain
2. Cranial Nerve functions for CN3-12 which enter into or emerge from brainstem and are the structures that performs spinal cord like functions for the head as well as subserve the special senses
3. Integrative functions, examples include complex motor patterns, life sustaining activities, and maintaining consciousness, reticular formation (center core of brain stem) is involved in many of these functions.