Summary Checklist Flashcards
(47 cards)
What does this mean: Explain what is meant by a reflex and describe the reflex arc?
A reflex is an involuntary, automatic response to a stimulus. A reflex arc includes a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.
What does this mean: Describe the stretch reflex?
The stretch reflex is a monosynaptic reflex that causes a muscle to contract in response to being stretched (e.g., patellar reflex).
What does this mean: Describe the structure and function of muscle spindles?
Muscle spindles are stretch receptors in skeletal muscles that detect changes in muscle length and trigger the stretch reflex.
What does this mean: Describe how other spinal cord reflexes and understand their functional significance (flexor withdrawal, crossed extension)?
Spinal reflexes like the flexor withdrawal and crossed extension help protect the body from harm by triggering coordinated limb movements away from painful stimuli.
What does this mean: Understand the organisation of the brain into modulatory systems - this is an awareness of ascending and descending pathways?
Brain modulatory systems involve ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) pathways that influence functions such as arousal, motor control, and pain modulation.
What does this mean: Demonstrate an effective reflex test that includes a verbal and abdominal, segmental and biceps response indication?
Reflex testing can include tapping tendons to observe muscle contraction and segmental responses (e.g., biceps, triceps, abdominal reflexes).
What does this mean: Name the layers that cover the brain (the meninges) and describe their location?
The meninges are three layers covering the brain: dura mater (outer), arachnoid mater (middle), and pia mater (inner).
What does this mean: Describe the location and function of csf, where it is produced and its function?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced in the choroid plexus of ventricles, circulates in the subarachnoid space, and cushions the brain while removing waste.
What does this mean: Understand the vessels responsible for supplying the brain?
The brain is supplied by the internal carotid and vertebral arteries, which form the Circle of Willis to ensure consistent perfusion.
What does this mean: List the symptoms that may be found with a stroke and describe how a lesion is located?
Stroke symptoms depend on the affected area and may include motor/sensory deficits, speech loss, and visual impairment; lesion location is determined via imaging and symptoms.
What does this mean: List sensory modalities that physiological organisation and explain how the condition might be impaired?
Sensory modalities include touch, pressure, temperature, pain, proprioception, and vibration. Impairment may result from nerve or spinal cord injury.
What does this mean: Identify the sensory receptors using peer examples?
Sensory receptors include mechanoreceptors (touch), nociceptors (pain), thermoreceptors (temperature), and proprioceptors (position).
What does this mean: Identify the main ascending somatosensory pathways (spinothalamic, dorsal columns, spinocerebellar)?
Ascending pathways include the dorsal column (fine touch), spinothalamic tract (pain/temp), and spinocerebellar tract (proprioception).
What does this mean: Describe where somatosensory tracts each pathway conveys from spinal cord to brain?
Dorsal column conveys fine touch/proprioception to the medulla; spinothalamic conveys pain/temp to the thalamus; spinocerebellar conveys unconscious proprioception to the cerebellum.
What does this mean: Explain why damage to the spin 2 spinal tracts is linked to sensory loss, say loss reflexes and weakness?
Damage to spinal tracts can cause sensory loss, muscle weakness, reduced reflexes, and impaired coordination.
What does this mean: Understand the difference between general somatosensory and special senses?
General somatosensory senses include touch and temperature; special senses include vision, hearing, taste, smell, and balance.
What does this mean: Demonstrate effective sensory testing of a blind limb including light touch and proprioception?
Testing includes using cotton wool for light touch and joint movement testing for proprioception.
What does this mean: Explain the location of function of the brain stem?
The brainstem is between the brain and spinal cord and includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla. It regulates vital functions and cranial nerves.
What does this mean: Describe the sensory/motor function of the brainstem?
The brainstem transmits motor and sensory pathways and contains nuclei for cranial nerves III–XII.
What does this mean: Describe the blood supply to the brain – from arteries and the circle of willis?
The Circle of Willis provides collateral blood supply to the brain via interconnected arteries at the brain’s base.
What does this mean: Explain how head trauma could impact ventricular function?
Head trauma can compress ventricles or disrupt CSF flow, increasing intracranial pressure and risking brain herniation.
What does this mean: Understand the impact on motor control with umn and lmn symptoms – brisk reflexes, reduced sensation, weakness, speech defects, altered muscle tone?
UMN lesions show brisk reflexes, spasticity, and weakness; LMN lesions show flaccid paralysis, reduced reflexes, and muscle atrophy.
What does this mean: Describe the motor humunculus?
The motor homunculus is a topographic map of the body in the primary motor cortex, showing areas dedicated to movement.
What does this mean: Name the main descending motor pathways (corticospinal, corticobulbar, reticulospinal, vestibulospinal)?
Main descending tracts: corticospinal (voluntary movement), corticobulbar (cranial motor control), reticulospinal (posture), vestibulospinal (balance).
