Exam 2 Practice and Application Questions Flashcards
Describe how sensory input travels to the CNS
Sensory input begins when receptors detect stimuli and send signals through afferent neurons to the spinal cord or brain, where the information is processed in the thalamus and cerebral cortex.
Describe how reflex arcs work
Reflex arcs allow for quick, involuntary responses by sending sensory signals directly to the spinal cord, where they connect with motor neurons that trigger an immediate muscle response.
Describe how motor output travels to skeletal muscles
Motor output starts in the brain’s motor cortex, travels down the spinal cord via motor pathways, and reaches skeletal muscles through lower motor neurons, where acetylcholine is released at the neuromuscular junction to cause movement.
Predict the effects of damage to specific brain regions (e.g., hippocampus, amygdala,
cerebellum)
Damage to hippocampus: Critical for memory formation, damage can cause anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories) while sparing past memories. It may also impair spatial navigation.
Damage to amygdala: Involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression. Damage can result in reduced fear response, difficulty recognizing emotions in others, and inappropriate social behaviors.
Damage to cerebellum: Responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control. Damage can lead to ataxia (uncoordinated movements), tremors, and difficulty with precise actions like writing or speaking.
Explain the role of the motor circuit in regulating voluntary and involuntary movements.
The motor circuit controls movement by coordinating the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. The motor cortex drives voluntary actions, while the basal ganglia and cerebellum refine coordination. Brainstem and spinal circuits regulate involuntary movements, ensuring smooth and adaptive motion
Compare sympathetic vs. parasympathetic effects on heart rate, digestion, and pupil response.
The sympathetic system increases heart rate, inhibits digestion, and dilates pupils for action, while the parasympathetic system slows the heart, enhances digestion, and constricts pupils for relaxation.
Explain how beta-blockers work and their clinical use.
Beta-blockers block adrenaline’s effects on beta receptors, reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and heart contractility. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, angina, arrhythmias, migraines, and anxiety symptoms.
Determine the pharmacological treatment for a patient experiencing an asthma attack.
During an asthma attack, short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) like albuterol are used to quickly relax airway muscles and improve airflow. If the attack is severe, systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone may be given to reduce inflammation. Oxygen therapy may also be provided if needed.
Compare rods vs. cones and their role in different light conditions.
Rods are sensitive to light and enable vision in low-light conditions, though they do not detect color. They are essential for night vision and motion detection. Cones, on the other hand, function best in bright light, providing color vision and high visual acuity, and are responsible for detailed vision during the day.
Explain how the semicircular canals detect head rotation.
The semicircular canals detect head rotation through fluid movement. When the head turns, fluid in the canals moves, bending the cupula and stimulating hair cells. This generates signals sent to the brain, allowing it to sense head rotation.
Describe the function of spinal gating in pain perception.
Spinal gating regulates pain by inhibiting pain signals in the spinal cord. Non-painful stimuli, like touch, can activate larger nerve fibers that block pain signals from smaller fibers, reducing pain perception.
