ANP1106 - Final Exam 2025 Flashcards
Contains all lectures
Describe the function of the dorsal root in the spinal cord.
The dorsal root contains sensory nerve fibers that carry information from the body to the spinal cord.
Explain the role of the posterior horn in the spinal cord.
The posterior horn contains interneurons that process sensory information before it is transmitted to the brain.
Define the term ‘dorsal root ganglion’.
The dorsal root ganglion is a cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies located just outside the spinal cord.
How do visceral motor neurons function in the nervous system?
Visceral motor neurons control involuntary functions by transmitting signals to smooth muscles and glands.
Explain the role of somatic motor neurons in the body.
Somatic motor neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the spinal cord to skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary movement.
Describe the structure and function of the ventral root in the spinal cord.
The ventral root contains motor nerve fibers that carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles, facilitating movement.
Differentiate between somatic and visceral pathways in the nervous system.
Somatic pathways involve voluntary control of skeletal muscles, while visceral pathways regulate involuntary functions of internal organs.
Define the anterior horn of the spinal cord.
The anterior horn contains motor neurons that send signals to skeletal muscles, facilitating voluntary movement.
Describe the role of interneurons located in the posterior horn of the spinal cord.
Interneurons in the posterior horn process sensory information and facilitate communication between sensory and motor pathways.
What is the relationship between spinal nerves and the dorsal and ventral roots?
Spinal nerves are formed by the merging of dorsal roots, which carry sensory information, and ventral roots, which carry motor information.
Describe the function of the dorsal white columns in the ascending tract.
The dorsal white columns are responsible for transmitting fine touch, vibration, and proprioceptive information from the body to the brain.
Explain the role of spinocerebellar tracts in the nervous system.
Spinocerebellar tracts carry proprioceptive information from the body to the cerebellum, which is essential for coordination and balance.
Define the spinothalamic tracts and their significance.
Spinothalamic tracts are responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations from the body to the thalamus in the brain.
How do descending tracts function in the nervous system?
Descending tracts transmit motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord, facilitating voluntary movement and reflexes.
Describe the corticospinal tracts and their primary role.
Corticospinal tracts are major pathways that carry motor signals from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord, controlling voluntary movements.
Explain the function of rubrospinal tracts.
Rubrospinal tracts are involved in motor control, particularly in facilitating flexor muscle activity and inhibiting extensor muscles.
What is the role of reticulospinal tracts in the body?
Reticulospinal tracts modulate reflexes and autonomic functions, influencing posture and locomotion.
Define the vestibulospinal tract and its importance.
The vestibulospinal tract helps maintain balance and posture by transmitting signals from the vestibular system to the spinal cord.
Describe the tectospinal tract and its function.
The tectospinal tract is involved in reflexive head and eye movements in response to visual and auditory stimuli.
