Ascending tracts and descending tracts Flashcards
What are the ascending tracts pathways responisble for
-Transmit sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the brain
Name the 2 types of sensory data that the tracts carry
- Exteroceptive information
-Proprioceptive information
Where does the Exteroceptive information orginate from
- Originates from external stimuli, such as : pain, temperature, touch
Where does Proprioceptive information arise from+ functions
- Arise from within the body ,
-Provide feedback on the position and movement of muscles and joints
Name the 3 neuorns involved in the pathways
- First Order neuron
-Second Order neuron
-Third Order Neuron
Where is the first order neuron located
- Dorsal root ganglia
In the first order neuron, what does the perioheral processes connect to
- Sensory recpetors
Where is the second order neuron located
- Spinal cord or brainstem
Where is the third neuron found
- Thalamus
What is the function of the first order neuron
Gathers sensory input from receptors and sends it to the second order neuron
What is the function of the 2 order neuron
- Transmit info to the 3rd order neuron
What is the functuon if the 3rd order neuron
Transmits info to the 4th order neuron
Where is the 4th order neurons
- Cerebral cortex
What is the function of the dorsal Column
- Transmits delicate, discriminitve sensations like:
- Vibrations
-Pressure
-Proprioception
What is the Dorsal column divided into
- Fasciculus Gracilis
-Fasciculus Cuneatus
Where is the Fasciculus Cuneatus found + functions + what it contians
-In the lateral part of the dorsal column
-Carriers sensations from the upper parts of the body
- It cintains Ascending fibers that carry sensations form the upper part of the body
Where iis the Fasciculus Gracilis located+ function + what it contains
- Medial part of the dorsal column
-Carries sensations from T7 downwards/ the lower oarts of the body - Contains ascending fibers from sacral, lumbar and lower thoracic spinal nerves
What is the spinothalamic tract divided into
Anterior spinothalamic tract
Lateral spinothalamic tract
What is the function of the Anterior Spinothalamic Tract
- Transmits pressure sensations + crude touch
What is the function of the lateral spinothalamic tract
- Conveys pain + temeorature sensations
What is the descending tract
- They are motor pathways that tell various muscles in the body to contract
Where are upper motor neurons found
- Cerebral cortex
Where are lower motor neurons found
- In the brainstem or ventral horn of the SC
What is the corticospinal tract responsible for
- Voluntary movement of limbs and trunk
