block 5 lecture 11 spinal reflexes Flashcards
what are the three main types of movement?
reflex, rhythmic and voluntary
what does the dorsal side of the spinal cord receive input from?
the senses
how do the sensory nerves enter the spinal cord?
dorsal roots
where does the spinal cord get bigger?
cervical and lumbar enlargements
where is the cervical enlargement?
C3-T1
where is the lumber enlargement?
L1-S1
how are the motor neurons in the grey matter of the spinal cord organised?
somatotopically - in relation to the body
what controls the axial parts of the body?
medial neurons
what do lateral neurons control?
distal parts of the body
what are alpha neurons part of?
final common pathway
where do upper motor neurons remain?
the central nervous system
what do lower motor neurons do?
send axons directly to muscles
what are the head muscles controlled by?
motor neurons in the brain stem
where are the muscles of the body motor neurons?
spinal cord
where are alpha neurons found in the spinal cord?
ventral horn
where do the alpha motor axons go?
the axons pass through the ventral root and through spinal nerve and terminate at neuromuscular juntsion
why are the ALPHA motor neurons?
thickest neurons meaning very rapid conduction
what is the main neurotransmitter in muscle control?
acetylecholine
what does acetylecholine do?
initiate muscle contraction