Chapter 55: Spinal Cord Motor Functions; the Cord Reflexes

Question 1

Also located in the anterior horns of the spinal cord, in close association with the motor neurons, are a large number of small neurons that transmit inhibitory signals via glycine. These are called:

Answer 1

Renshaw cells

Question 2

These ascending and descending propriospinal fibers of the cord provide pathways for the _____________ reflexes

Answer 2

multisegmental reflexes

Question 3

These fibers form Multisegmental Connections From One Spinal Cord Level to Other Levels

Answer 3

Propriospinal fiber

Question 4

The gamma efferent system is excited specifically by signals from the _________ region of the brain stem

Answer 4

bulboreticular facilitatory region

Question 5

An especially important function of the stretch reflex is its ability to prevent oscillation or jerkiness of body movements, which is a ________ function

Answer 5

damping, or smoothing

Question 6

Oscillation of muscle jerks

Answer 6

clonus

Question 7

When tension on the muscle—and therefore on the tendon—becomes extreme, the inhibitory effect from the tendon organ can be so great that it leads to a sudden reaction in the spinal cord that causes instantaneous relaxation of the entire muscle. This effect is called:

Answer 7

lengthening reaction