Chap 11/13

Question 1

Define the origin of a muscle

Answer 1

Fixed attachment point of a muscle

The origin remains stationary during muscle contraction.

Question 2

Define the insertion of a muscle

Answer 2

Movable attachment point, closer to the action

The insertion moves toward the origin during muscle contraction.

Question 3

What are the primary functions of the Gracilis muscle?

Answer 3

Facilitates hip adduction and knee flexion

The Gracilis is involved in complex movements.

Question 4

What is the primary function of the Soleus muscle?

Answer 4

Primarily involved in ankle plantarflexion

The Soleus works with the gastrocnemius for ankle movements.

Question 5

What does the term ‘longus’ indicate in muscle naming?

Answer 5

The longest muscle

An example is the Adductor longus.

Question 6

List the order of abdominal muscles from superficial to deep.

Answer 6

• External oblique
• Internal oblique
• Transversus abdominis

This order reflects the layers of muscle in the abdominal wall.

Question 7

Where does the spinal cord start and end?

Answer 7

Starts at the foramen magnum and ends at L1-L2 at the conus medullaris

The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord.

Question 8

List the order of meninges from superficial to deep.

Answer 8

• Dura mater
• Arachnoid mater
• Pia mater

These layers protect the spinal cord and brain.

Question 9

What is the function of the white commissure?

Answer 9

Connects white matter between the left and right sides

It facilitates communication between hemispheres.

Question 10

What is the function of the gray commissure?

Answer 10

Connects gray matter across the midline

It allows for communication between the two sides of the spinal cord.

Question 11

Differentiate between tracts and nerves.

Answer 11

• Tracts: Bundles of axons in the CNS
• Nerves: Bundles of axons in the PNS

Tracts are found within the central nervous system, while nerves are peripheral.

Question 12

Differentiate between ganglia and nuclei.

Answer 12

• Ganglia: Clusters of cell bodies in the PNS
• Nuclei: Clusters of cell bodies in the CNS

Ganglia are found outside the brain and spinal cord, whereas nuclei are found within.

Question 13

What information do the posterior root/rootlets of the spinal cord carry?

Answer 13

Carry sensory information into the spinal cord

This is essential for sensory processing.

Question 14

What information do the anterior root/rootlets of the spinal cord carry?

Answer 14

Carry motor information out of the spinal cord

This is critical for initiating movement.

Question 15

From which plexus does the sciatic nerve arise?

Answer 15

Sacral plexus

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body.