CHP 7.2 - COMPARA NERVOUS SYSTEM Flashcards
The control center allowing the body to react to the environment
Nervous system
The division of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord
Central nervous system
The division of the nervous system that includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements
Somatic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions
Autonomic nervous system
The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the “fight or flight” response
Sympathetic nervous system
The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the “rest and digest” response
Parasympathetic nervous system
Conducts sensory information from the periphery to the CNS
Sensory (afferent) system
Sensory fibers in the spinal cord that travel toward the brain
Ascending tracts
Consists of motor nerves that conduct signals from the CNS to muscles and glands
Motor (efferent) system
Neurons that extend from the brain down the spinal cord to synapse on lower motor neurons
Upper motor neurons (UMN)
Bundles of upper motor neuron fibers that move caudally in the spinal cord
Descending tracts
Neurons that extend from the spinal cord to muscles and glands
Lower motor neurons (LMN)
Supportive cells of the nervous system that provide structural and functional support to neurons
Neuroglia
The functional unit of the nervous system consisting of a cell body, nucleus, and processes
Neuron
Inflammation of a nerve
Neuritis
The ability of diseases to selectively affect different parts of a neuron
Compartmentalization
A chemical that mediates information transfer between nerve cells
Neurotransmitter
Neuroglial cells that proliferate after brain damage, forming a scar
Astrocytes
A specialized site where information passes from one nerve cell to another
Synapse
The neuron that transfers information at a synapse
Presynaptic cell
The neuron, muscle, or gland receiving information at a synapse
Postsynaptic cell
The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells
Synaptic cleft
Organelles in the presynaptic cell that store neurotransmitters
Synaptic vesicles
The synaptic connection between a neuron and muscle cell
Neuromuscular junction
The basic functional unit of the nervous system responsible for reflex actions
Reflex arc
The control center of the nervous system composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem
Brain
The largest part of the brain responsible for voluntary functions
Cerebrum
The part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance
Cerebellum
The part of the brain that controls basic life functions
Brainstem
The brain region responsible for temperature regulation
Hypothalamus
Nerves that arise from the brain and control head and neck functions
Cranial nerves
A nerve that can be palpated and anesthetized as it exits the infraorbital foramen
Infraorbital nerve
A nerve that can be palpated and anesthetized as it exits the mental foramen
Mental nerve
Causes sensory deficits of the face and paralysis of the muscles of mastication
Trigeminal nerve injury
Results in an inability to gaze laterally
Abducent nerve injury
A condition that can result from middle ear infections, causing facial muscle paralysis
Facial nerve paralysis
A nerve that innervates the eyelids and can be blocked for eye procedures
Auriculopalpebral nerve
Nerves that cross the lateral aspect of the masseter muscle and may be injured
Buccal branches of the facial nerve
A reflex pathway that can be tested by pricking the face with a pin
Facial/trigeminal reflex arc
Can cause difficulty in swallowing
Glossopharyngeal or vagus nerve damage
A viral disease affecting the nervous system that can cause hydrophobia and pharyngeal paralysis
Rabies
A common condition in racehorses causing “roaring” due to paralysis of the laryngeal muscles
Recurrent laryngeal nerve damage
Causes tongue paralysis, leading to deviation of the tongue
Hypoglossal nerve damage
Localized anesthesia techniques used for surgeries and procedures
Nerve blocks
A nerve block used to anesthetize the lower chin
Mental nerve block
A nerve block used to anesthetize the lower lip
Mandibular alveolar nerve block
A nerve block used for procedures on the upper lip and face
Infraorbital nerve block
A nerve block used for anesthesia of the upper cheek teeth
Maxillary nerve block
A nerve block used for anesthesia over the forehead
Supraorbital nerve block
A region of the spinal cord from which a pair of spinal nerves arises
Spinal segment
The protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
Meninges
An accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain due to obstruction of fluid flow
Hydrocephalus
Anesthesia injected into the epidural space to block sensation in the lower body
Epidural anesthesia
A technique used in livestock for obstetric and perineal surgeries
Caudal epidural analgesia
The process of anesthetizing nerves for abdominal procedures in cattle and horses
Flank surgery anesthesia
A network of nerves supplying the forelimb
Brachial plexus
A condition in horses caused by suprascapular nerve injury leading to muscle atrophy
Sweeney
A common nerve injury affecting the ability to extend the elbow, carpus, and digits
Radial nerve paralysis
Affects the triceps brachii muscle, causing inability to bear weight
High radial nerve paralysis
Allows weight-bearing but results in “knuckling over” of the limb
Low radial nerve paralysis
Severe nerve damage resulting in a flaccid, non-functional limb
Brachial plexus avulsion
A diagnostic test for spinal cord integrity
Panniculus reflex
Causes inability to extend the stifle and bear weight
Femoral nerve damage
Common in parturition-related injuries, causing inability to adduct the limb
Obturator nerve paralysis
Affects the extensors of the hock and flexors of the digits, causing dropped hock
Tibial nerve damage
Results in “knuckling over” due to loss of digital extensor function
Peroneal nerve damage
A condition caused by loss of sympathetic innervation to the head, resulting in ptosis, miosis, and enophthalmos
Horner’s syndrome
Can cause vagal indigestion and bloat in ruminants
Vagal dysfunction
