Chapter 11

Question 1

Action Map

Answer 1

A representation in the brain where different regions correspond to various body movements. These maps are found in motor areas such as the primary motor cortex, where specific regions control movements of different body parts.

Example sentence: The action map in the brain helps coordinate complex movements like playing the piano.

Question 2

Anterior Spinothalamic Tract

Answer 2

A neural pathway in the spinal cord that transmits information about crude touch and pressure to the brain. It carries sensory information from the spinal cord to the thalamus, which then relays it to the sensory cortex.

Example sentence: Damage to the anterior spinothalamic tract can result in decreased sensation of touch and pressure.

Question 3

Apraxia

Answer 3

A motor disorder caused by damage to the brain, resulting in difficulty with planning and executing voluntary movements. It is not due to muscle weakness or paralysis but rather a disconnection between the brain’s intention and the physical action.

Example sentence: Patients with apraxia may have trouble performing simple tasks like waving goodbye.

Question 4

Body Map

Answer 4

A somatotopic representation of the body in the brain, where different regions correspond to sensory or motor information from specific body parts. This map is crucial for coordinated movements and sensory perception.

Example sentence: The body map helps the brain understand touch sensations from different areas of the body.

Question 5

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Answer 5

A group of permanent movement disorders caused by damage to the developing brain before, during, or shortly after birth. Symptoms include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors, affecting overall motor function.

Example sentence: Children with cerebral palsy may benefit from physical therapy to improve their motor skills.

Question 6

Constraint-Induced Therapy

Answer 6

A rehabilitation technique used to improve motor function in individuals with brain damage by restricting the use of the unaffected limb, forcing the use of the affected limb. This therapy aims to enhance neuroplasticity and recovery of motor skills.

Example sentence: Constraint-induced therapy is often used after a stroke to help patients regain movement in their affected limbs.

Question 7

Corticobulbar Tract

Answer 7

A neural pathway that connects the cerebral cortex to the brainstem, controlling movements of the face, neck, and head. It influences motor neurons that innervate muscles involved in facial expression, mastication, and speech.

Example sentence: Damage to the corticobulbar tract can result in difficulties with facial expressions and speech.

Question 8

Corticospinal Tract

Answer 8

A major descending motor pathway originating in the cerebral cortex and terminating in the spinal cord. It is crucial for voluntary motor control, particularly fine motor movements of the limbs.

Example sentence: The corticospinal tract is responsible for transmitting signals that control precise hand movements.

Question 9

Deafferentation

Answer 9

The loss of sensory input from a body part, typically due to nerve damage or injury. This condition can result in a loss of sensation and proprioception, affecting motor control and coordination.

Example sentence: Deafferentation of the hand can lead to difficulties in grasping objects due to the loss of sensory feedback.

Question 10

Glabrous Skin

Answer 10

Skin that is smooth and hairless, found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It contains specialized receptors for fine touch and pressure.

Example sentence: The glabrous skin on the soles of the feet helps detect pressure and texture while walking.

Question 11

Hapsis

Answer 11

The sensory ability to perceive fine touch and pressure, involving receptors in the skin and deeper tissues. Haptic perception allows for the detection of texture, shape, and vibration.

Example sentence: Hapsis is essential for tasks that require precise touch, such as playing a musical instrument.

Question 12

Hyperkinetic Symptom

Answer 12

An excessive and involuntary movement symptom, often associated with disorders like Huntington’s disease. It includes symptoms such as tremors, chorea, and dystonia.

Example sentence: Hyperkinetic symptoms can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

Question 13

Hypokinetic Symptom

Answer 13

A reduction in voluntary movement, commonly seen in Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms include bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and resting tremor.

Example sentence: Hypokinetic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease can lead to difficulties in initiating and controlling movements.

Question 14

Ménière Disease

Answer 14

A disorder of the inner ear causing episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It results from abnormal fluid accumulation in the inner ear.

Example sentence: Ménière disease can have a significant impact on a person’s balance and hearing abilities.

Question 15

Monosynaptic Reflex

Answer 15

A reflex arc that involves a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron. The knee-jerk reflex is a classic example, providing rapid and direct response to stimuli.

Example sentence: The monosynaptic reflex helps protect the body by eliciting quick responses to potential threats.

Question 16

Motor Sequence

Answer 16

A series of movements executed in a specific order to accomplish a particular task. It involves planning, coordination, and execution, often controlled by the motor cortex and basal ganglia.

Example sentence: Learning a new dance routine involves mastering the motor sequence of steps and movements.

Question 17

Neuroprosthetics

Answer 17

Devices that interface with the nervous system to restore lost sensory or motor functions. Examples include cochlear implants for hearing loss and brain-computer interfaces for paralysis.

Example sentence: Neuroprosthetics have revolutionized the treatment options for individuals with severe sensory or motor impairments.

Question 18

Nociception

Answer 18

The sensory process that provides signals that lead to the perception of pain. It involves specialized receptors (nociceptors) that detect harmful stimuli and relay information to the brain.

Example sentence: Nociception is crucial for alerting the body to potential tissue damage and injury.

Question 19

Pain Gate

Answer 19

A theory suggesting that non-painful input can close the “gates” to painful input, preventing pain sensation from traveling to the central nervous system. This explains why rubbing a painful area can reduce pain.

Example sentence: The pain gate theory has implications for pain management techniques that involve stimulating non-painful pathways.

Question 20

Paraplegia

Answer 20

Paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, typically due to spinal cord injury. It results in loss of motor and sensory function in the legs and lower trunk.

Example sentence: Paraplegia requires specialized care to manage the loss of mobility and sensation in the lower body.

Question 21

Periaqueductal Gray Matter (PAG)

Answer 21

A region in the midbrain involved in pain modulation and defensive behaviors. It can inhibit pain signals through its connections with the descending pain control pathways.

Example sentence: Activation of the periaqueductal gray matter can lead to analgesia and reduced pain perception.

Question 22

Position-Point Theory

Answer 22

The idea that the brain encodes the position of body parts and movements relative to a reference point. This theory helps explain how we perceive body position and movement in space.

Example sentence: The position-point theory is essential for understanding how the brain organizes spatial information for motor control.

Question 23

Posterior Spinothalamic Tract

Answer 23

A neural pathway that transmits sensory information about fine touch, vibration, and proprioception to the brain. It carries signals from the spinal cord to the thalamus.

Example sentence: The posterior spinothalamic tract plays a crucial role in conveying detailed sensory information to the brain.

Question 24

Proprioception

Answer 24

The sense of the relative position of body parts and the strength of effort employed in movement. Proprioceptors in muscles, tendons, and joints provide this critical information for coordination and balance.

Example sentence: Proprioception allows us to maintain balance and adjust body movements without relying solely on vision.

Question 25

Quadriplegia

Answer 25

Paralysis affecting all four limbs, often due to spinal cord injury at the cervical level. It results in significant loss of motor and sensory function below the site of injury.

Example sentence: Quadriplegia requires extensive rehabilitation to regain function and independence in daily activities.

Question 26

Rapidly Adapting Receptor

Answer 26

A type of sensory receptor that quickly responds to changes in stimuli but then rapidly decreases its firing rate. These receptors are important for detecting changes in texture and vibration.

Example sentence: Rapidly adapting receptors help us sense changes in textures when touching different surfaces.

Question 27

Proprioception

Answer 27

the strength of effort employed in movement. Proprioceptors in muscles, tendons, and joints provide this critical information for coordination and balance.

Example: Proprioception allows you to touch your nose with your eyes closed.

Question 28

Quadriplegia

Answer 28

Paralysis affecting all four limbs, often due to spinal cord injury at the cervical level. It results in significant loss of motor and sensory function below the site of injury.

Example: Quadriplegia can result from a severe car accident.

Question 29

Rapidly Adapting Receptor

Answer 29

A type of sensory receptor that quickly responds to changes in stimuli but then rapidly decreases its firing rate. These receptors are important for detecting changes in texture and vibration.

Example: Rapidly adapting receptors help you feel the difference between silk and sandpaper.

Question 30

Referred Pain

Answer 30

Pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus. This occurs because sensory nerves from different parts of the body converge onto the same nerve pathways in the spinal cord.

Example: Referred pain from a heart attack can be felt in the left arm.

Question 31

Scratch Reflex

Answer 31

An involuntary response to a stimulus that causes an animal to scratch itself. It is a protective reflex controlled by the spinal cord and is important for removing irritants from the skin.

Example: The scratch reflex helps animals get rid of pesky bugs.

Question 32

Slowly Adapting Receptor

Answer 32

A type of sensory receptor that responds slowly to a stimulus and continues to produce action potentials over the duration of the stimulus. These receptors are important for detecting pressure and stretch.

Example: Slowly adapting receptors help you feel the weight of an object in your hand.

Question 33

Topographic Organization

Answer 33

The ordered mapping of sensory and motor information in the brain. Areas of the cortex correspond to specific parts of the body, maintaining spatial relationships.

Example: Topographic organization allows the brain to map out the body like a GPS.

Question 34

Ventrolateral Thalamus

Answer 34

A region of the thalamus involved in the relay of motor and sensory information to the cerebral cortex. It plays a critical role in the coordination and modulation of movement.

Example: The ventrolateral thalamus helps coordinate muscle movements during physical activities.

Question 35

Vestibular System

Answer 35

The sensory system responsible for providing information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation. It includes structures in the inner ear that detect changes in gravity and motion.

Example: The vestibular system helps you maintain balance while walking on uneven ground.