Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Nervous System II > part 2 test > Flashcards

part 2 test Flashcards

(58 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are the two main functions of the spinal cord?

A

Center for spinal reflexes and conduit for impulses to and from the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define reflex.

A

Automatic, subconscious response to a stimulus within or outside the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the purpose of reflexes?

A

Maintain homeostasis by controlling involuntary processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing, coughing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is a reflex arc?

A

Neural pathway consisting of a sensory receptor, 2 or more neurons, and an effector

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is a simple reflex arc composed of?

A

Only sensory and motor neurons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does the most common reflex arc contain?

A

Sensory neuron, interneurons, motor neurons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the function of a receptor in a reflex arc?

A

Sensitive to a specific type of internal or external change

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the role of a sensory neuron in a reflex arc?

A

Conducts an impulse from the receptor into the brain or spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the function of an interneuron in a reflex arc?

A

Serves as processing center; conducts an impulse from the sensory neuron to its synapse with a motor neuron

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does a motor neuron do in a reflex arc?

A

Conducts an impulse from the brain or spinal cord out to the synapse with an effector

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is an effector in a reflex arc?

A

A muscle or gland that responds to stimulation by the motor neuron and produces the reflex or behavioral action

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What characterizes a monosynaptic reflex?

A

Contains 2 neurons, sensory and motor, with only 1 synapse in spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Give an example of a monosynaptic reflex.

A

Patellar or knee-jerk reflex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is a withdrawal reflex?

A

Occurs when a person touches or steps on something painful, preventing or limiting tissue damage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is a polysynaptic reflex?

A

Contains sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is reciprocal innervation?

A

Flexors contract, extensors are inhibited

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What happens during the crossed extensor reflex?

A

Flexors on affected side contract while extensors on the opposite side contract

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the primary use of reflexes in clinical settings?

A

To assess the condition of the nervous system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are ascending tracts?

A

Conduct sensory impulses to the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are descending tracts?

A

Conduct motor impulses from the brain via motor neurons to muscles and glands

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Name two major ascending spinal cord tracts.

A
  • Fasciculus gracilis
  • Spinothalamic tracts
  • Spinocerebellar tracts
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Name two major descending spinal cord tracts.

A
  • Corticospinal tracts
  • Reticulospinal tracts
  • Rubrospinal tract
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

A

Degeneration of motor neurons in spinal cord, brainstem, cerebral cortex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are common symptoms of ALS?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Speaking difficulties
  • Dragging foot
  • Clumsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Coordination issues
  • Muscle twitches
  • Weakness
25
What is the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Consists of nerves that connect CNS to other body parts
26
What are the subdivisions of the PNS?
* Somatic nervous system * Autonomic nervous system
27
What does the somatic nervous system connect?
CNS to the skin and skeletal muscles for conscious activities
28
What does the autonomic nervous system connect?
CNS to viscera for subconscious activities
29
What are the connective tissue coverings of peripheral nerves?
* Endoneurium * Perineurium * Epineurium
30
What are sensory nerves?
Conduct impulses into brain or spinal cord
31
What are motor nerves?
Conduct impulses to muscles or glands
32
What are mixed nerves?
Contain both sensory and motor nerve fibers
33
How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?
12 pairs
34
What type of nerve is the olfactory nerve (I)?
Sensory nerve only
35
What is the function of the optic nerve (II)?
Associated with sense of vision
36
What is the primary function of the oculomotor nerve (III)?
Primarily motor nerve for eye movement
37
What are the three branches of the trigeminal nerve (V)?
* Ophthalmic division * Maxillary division * Mandibular division
38
What is the primary function of the vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)?
Sensory nerve associated with hearing and equilibrium
39
What is the function of the vagus nerve (X)?
Mixed nerve for autonomic control of viscera
40
What type of nerve is the hypoglossal nerve (XII)?
Primarily motor nerve
41
What type of nerve is the Glossopharyngeal nerve?
Mixed ## Footnote The Glossopharyngeal nerve is involved in both sensory and motor functions.
42
Which cranial nerve is primarily motor and conducts impulses to muscles that move the tongue?
Hypoglossal ## Footnote The Hypoglossal nerve is responsible for tongue movement.
43
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?
31 pairs ## Footnote Includes 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal nerve.
44
What is a dermatome?
An area of skin innervated by the sensory nerve fibers of a particular spinal nerve ## Footnote This applies to all spinal nerves below C1.
45
What are the two roots of a spinal nerve?
Anterior (ventral or motor) root and posterior (dorsal or sensory) root ## Footnote The anterior root contains motor neuron axons, while the posterior root contains sensory neuron axons.
46
What is a nerve plexus?
Complex network formed by anterior rami of spinal nerves ## Footnote Nerve plexuses are not found in T2 through T12.
47
What are the three main nerve plexuses?
* Cervical * Brachial * Lumbosacral ## Footnote Each plexus supplies different regions of the body.
48
What is the role of the phrenic nerves?
Transmit motor impulses to the diaphragm ## Footnote The phrenic nerves are formed from C3-C4-C5 nerve roots.
49
What does the brachial plexus supply?
* Muscles of anterior arms * Skin of forearms * Muscles of forearms and hands * Skin of hands * Posterior muscles of arms * Skin of forearms and hands * Muscles and skin of anterior, lateral, and posterior arms ## Footnote Major branches include musculocutaneous, ulnar, median, radial, and axillary nerves.
50
What is the largest and longest nerve in the body?
Sciatic nerve ## Footnote It supplies muscles and skin of thighs, legs, and feet.
51
What is the primary function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Controls visceral activities ## Footnote The ANS regulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.
52
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
* Sympathetic division * Parasympathetic division ## Footnote These divisions have opposite effects on organ systems.
53
What is the role of the sympathetic division?
Prepares body for 'fight or flight' situations ## Footnote It is most active in stressful or emergency situations.
54
What neurotransmitter do cholinergic neurons release?
Acetylcholine ## Footnote This includes all preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers.
55
What neurotransmitter do adrenergic neurons release?
Norepinephrine ## Footnote Most postganglionic sympathetic fibers release norepinephrine.
56
What enzyme decomposes acetylcholine?
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) ## Footnote This enzyme is crucial for terminating the action of acetylcholine at synapses.
57
What happens to neurotransmitters after they act at a synapse?
They must be removed or inactivated ## Footnote This prevents continued stimulation of the postsynaptic cell.
58
What are some life-span changes in the brain?
* Brain cells begin to die before birth * Brain shrinks 10% over a lifetime * More gray matter than white matter is lost * Decreased levels of neurotransmitters * Slowed responses and reflexes * Changes in sleep patterns ## Footnote These changes can lead to fading memory and increased risk of fainting or falling.

Nervous System II (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions