Synaptic communication 2 (German) week 2 Flashcards
Spinal reflexes
sensory and motor loops that function independent of descending brain control
Hebbian Theory of networks
neuronal networks undergo activity-dependent plasticity throughout life.
**Activity drives neural network consolidation, while inactivity leads to decay. **
Long-term potentiation
increase the strength of synapses. Leads to neurons needing less stimulation for a signal to be sent. this is increased with more use of that particular network
Long-term depression
loss of synapses which leads to decreased action potential
What are the 3 neurons in the somatosensory circuit?
1st order: mechanosensory neuron goes to medulla in the brain stem.
2nd order decussates at medulla and heads to thalamus
3rd order goes from thalamus to somatosensory cortex
What are the four types of Mechanoreceptors?
Merkel cells Meissner corpuscle Ruffini endings Pacinian corpuscle *A single neuron innervates a single mechanoreceptor cell type.*
Somatic pain
pain perceived from peripheral cutaneous perception
- thermal
- mechanical
- chemical
visceral pain
pain perceived form internal organ systems
-referred pain is the actual pain, since your organs don’t have pain receptors
Neuropathic pain
pain caused by damage to PNS and CNS neurons.
-perceived as a burning or shocking pain.
what are pain receptors called
Nociceptors and they are free nerve endings.
Thermal nociceptors
extreme temperatures >45 C and >5 C
Mechanical nociceptors
extreme changes in pressure or tearing.
This is the immediate sharp pain and dissipates quickly
Polymodal nociceptors
thermal (hot or cold), mechanical and chemical stimuli
this is the slow signal that is a dull continual pain
silent nociceptors
responds to visceral disorders
What do NSAIDs do?
block COX 1 and 2 from converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxanes
