Sensory Nervous System. Flashcards
Describe the somatosensory pathway.
Sensory receptors activated > sensory input transmitted to the spinal cord via peripheral nerves > signal is transmitted via ascending pathway through the thalamus to the primary sensory cortex > sensory signal processed in the primary cortex > conscious perception
What are dermatomes?
Areas of skin innervated by sensory branch of single spinal nerve.
Protection of the spinal cord.
By the spinal column and meninges
The spinothalamic tract consists of…
Small, slow, unmyelinated axons.
Types of mechanoreceptors…
Unencapsulated = sensory nerve endings are free. Encapsulated = nerve endings wrapped in glial cells / connective tissue.
The name for pain receptors and how they work.
Nociceptors, work by detecting chemicals released by damaged tissue.
Types of pain.
Nociceptive = intense Inflammation = tissue damage with wbc response Neuropathic = neural lesion with low threshold Dysfunctional = abnormal, no lesions Referred = viscera injury, pain displaced to other body part.
Pain in relation to axons
Myelinated axons are fast conductors creating sharp, localised pain. Unmyelinated axons are slower giving a duller, diffused and longer lasting pain.
