Exam 4 short answer Flashcards
Function of the dorsal root
transmits sensory information
Function of dorsal root ganglia
relay the sensory nerve impulses from the periphery to the peripheral nervous system
Functions of ventral root
allow motor neurons to exit the spinal cord.
Describe the 3 layers of meninges
Dura mater: Superficial meninx, composed of dense, irregular connective tissue
Arachnoid mater: Middle meninx; Composed of epithelium and a delicate network of collagen and elastic fibers ( resembles spider web)
Pia mater: Innermost meninx ; Adheres to the surface of the spinal cord and the brain; Composed of collagen and elastic fibers
What are the functions of cerebrospinal fluid?
Serves as a shock absorber
– Carries nutrients, wastes, and dissolved gases
Functions of posterior horn
sensory processing
Functions of lateral horn
»Contraction of cardiac and smooth muscle tissue
»Glandular secretion
Functions of anterior horn
Skeletal muscle contraction
List the 4 major plexuses
cervical, brachial, lumbar, sacral
What are the functions of the plexuses: cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral ( Name at least one major nerve for each plexus)
overall function: communicate information to your brain about pain, temperature, and pressure.
cervical: Supplies the skin and muscles of the head,
neck, thoracic cavity, and diaphragm. MN: Phrenic nerve
Brachial: Supplies the shoulders and upper limbs. MN: subscapular nerve
Lumbar: Supplies the abdominal wall, external genitals, and part of the lower limbs. MN: femoral nerve
Sacral: Supplies the buttocks, perineum, and parts of the lower limbs MN: sciatic nerve.
What is a stretch reflex? Provide an example. Describe the withdrawal reflex and the crossed
extensor reflex.
stretch reflex: the contraction of a muscle in response to its passive stretching
Ex: striking the patellar tendon with a reflex hammer
Withdrawl reflex: the automatic withdrawal of a limb from a painful stimulus
Crossed extensor refelx: Crossing of sensory impulses within the reflex center to
produce an opposite effect
Identify the 4 parts of the brain along with major functions.
Frontal: reasoning, planning, parts of speech, movement, emotions, and problem solving
temporal: perception, auditory stimuli, memory, and speech
parietal: movement, orientation, recognition, perception of stimuli
occipital: visual processing
What fills the ventricles?
cerebrospinal fluid
Define the blood-brain barrier.
The separation of the circulating blood and the brain extracellular fluid (CSF) in the CNS
Know the functions of the brain stem (midbrain, pons, medulla) and the cerebellum.
Midbrain: movement of body and head
Pons: motor control, sensory analysis
Medulla: vital body functions (breathing, heart rate)
cerebellum: “little brain” , movement, posture, balance