Chapter 55: Spinal Cord Motor Functions; the Cord Reflexes Flashcards
Also located in the anterior horns of the spinal cord, in close association with the motor neurons, are a large number of small neurons that transmit inhibitory signals via glycine. These are called:
Renshaw cells
These ascending and descending propriospinal fibers of the cord provide pathways for the _____________ reflexes
multisegmental reflexes
These fibers form Multisegmental Connections From One Spinal Cord Level to Other Levels
Propriospinal fiber
The gamma efferent system is excited specifically by signals from the _________ region of the brain stem
bulboreticular facilitatory region
An especially important function of the stretch reflex is its ability to prevent oscillation or jerkiness of body movements, which is a ________ function
damping, or smoothing
Oscillation of muscle jerks
clonus
When tension on the muscle—and therefore on the tendon—becomes extreme, the inhibitory effect from the tendon organ can be so great that it leads to a sudden reaction in the spinal cord that causes instantaneous relaxation of the entire muscle. This effect is called:
lengthening reaction