Chapter 13: Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes

Question 1

Areflexia

Answer 1

Absence of reflexes.

Question 2

Brown-Sequared Syndrome

Answer 2

Loss of sensation and motor function that results from unilateral spinal cord lesions. Proprioception loss weakness occur ipsilateral to the lesion while pain and temperature loss occur contralateral.

Question 3

Equinovarus

Answer 3

The foot is plantar flexed, inverted, and adducted; also called talipes equinovalgus.

Question 4

Erb Palsy (Erb-Duchenne Palsy)

Answer 4

Obstetric condition characterized by paralysis or weakness of a newborn’s upper arm muscles caused by a stretch injury to the brachial plexus.

Question 5

Hemiparesis

Answer 5

Slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body.

Question 6

Kernig Sign

Answer 6

Symptoms of meningitis where patient cannot extend the leg at the knee due to stiffness in the hamstring muscles.

Question 7

Myelography

Answer 7

A diagnostic procedure in which a radiopaque dye is introduced into the cerebrospinal fluid to obtain an x-ray image of the spinal cord and cauda equina.

Question 8

Nerve Conduction Study

Answer 8

Test often performed along with electromyography (EMG); the test stimulates certain nerves and records their ability to send an impulse to the muscle; it can indicate where any blockage of the nerve pathway exists.

Question 9

Nerve Growth Factor

Answer 9

A peptide that promotes the growth and maintenance of neurons. Other factors that are important to neuron growth and repair include BDNE, NT-3, NT-4, and GAP-43.

Question 10

Paraplegia

Answer 10

Paralysis involving the loss of motor control of the lower, but not the upper limbs.

Question 11

Quadriplegia

Answer 11

Paralysis involving the loss of sensation and motor control of the upper and lower limbs.

Question 12

Spinal Shock

Answer 12

Term applied to all phenomena surrounding physiological or anatomical transection of the spinal cord that results in temporary loss or depression of all or most spinal reflex activity inferior to the level of injury.

Question 13

Tabes Dorsalis

Answer 13

Slow progressive degeneration of the myelin layer of sensory neurons of the spinal cord that occurs in the tertiary (third) phase of syphilis. Common signs and symptoms are pain, weakness, diminished reflexes, unsteady gait, and loss of coordination.