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Neuroscience > Module E-09 > Flashcards

Module E-09 Flashcards

1
Q

Spasticity

A

A hypertonic state with increased deep tendon reflexes.

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2
Q

Flaccidity

A

Weakness, laxness and softness of muscle that offer limited

resistance to passive movement.

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3
Q

Clonus

A

Rhythmic palpable oscillations between flexion and extension

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4
Q

Monosynaptic Reflex (i.e., Deep Tendon or Myotatic Reflex)

A
  • Afferent and efferent limbs are directly connected (one synapse)
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5
Q

Polysynaptic reflex

A
  • Afferent and efferent limbs are connected via one or more interneurons
  • multiple synapses involved
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6
Q

ex of Polysynaptic reflexes

A
  • Pupillary light reflexes

- abdominal reflex

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7
Q

Components of Reflex Arcs

A
  • Sensory receptor (e.g., muscle spindle, Golgi tendon organ, free nerve ending)
  • Afferent axon
  • Synapse on interneurons or efferent neuron (LMN)
  • Neuromuscular junction
  • Muscle
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8
Q

Components of Afferent LImb of Reflex

A
  • Muscle spindles and Ia fibers
  • Golgi tendon organs and Ib fibers
  • Free nerve endings and Aδ fibers
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9
Q

Components of Efferent limb of Reflex

A

Alpha motor neurons, homonymous, synergist and antagonist muscles

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10
Q

Nature and Purpose of Deep Tendon Reflexes

A
  • Passive stretching of muscle causes contraction.

- The reflex regulates muscle tone under modulation by upper motor neurons.

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11
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Inspiration

A

Muscle: Diaphragm
Segment: C3,4,5 (keep the phrenic alive ;P)

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12
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Shoulder Abduction

A

Muscle: Deltoid
Segment: C5

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13
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Elbow Flexion

A

Muscle: Biceps Brachii, Brachialis
Segment: C5,6

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14
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Wrist extension

A

Muscle: Extensor Carpi , Radialis Longus and Brevis
Segment: C6,7

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15
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Elbow Extension

A

Muscle: Triceps Brachii
Segment: C6,7,8

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16
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Finger Flexion

A

Muscle: Flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus
Segment: C8

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17
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Finger abduction and adduction

A

Muscle: Interossei
Segment: C8,T1

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18
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Thigh adduction

A

Muscle: Adductor longus and brevis
Segment: L2,3,4

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19
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Knee extension

A

Muscle: Quadriceps
Segment: L3,4

20
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Great Toe extension

A

Muscle: Extensor hallucis longus
Segment: L5,S1

21
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Ankle Plantar flexion

A

Muscle: Gastrocnemius, soleus
Segment: S1,2

22
Q

Muscle and segment being tested in Anal Contraction

A

Muscle: Sphincter ani externus
Segment: S2,3,4

23
Q

Scale for Reflex testing

A
  • 4+ - Very brisk or hyperactive with clonus
  • 3+ - Brisker than average (high normal)
  • 2+ - Average (normal)
  • 1+ - Somewhat diminished (low normal)
  • 0 - No response
24
Q

Describe the pathway for the Stretch Reflex

A

1) The sensory signal for the stretch reflex arises in the muscle spindles.
2) The tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer stretches the muscle spindles, activating the associated Ia afferents.
3) The signals are transmitted to the spinal α motor neurons and then directly to the muscle.

25
Q

What causes Muscle Tone?

A
  • Muscles are usually under some degree of stretch, so these reflex arcs are a vital determinant of ‘muscle tone’.
  • Muscular tone reflects basal partial contraction of extrafusal fibers.
26
Q

Purpose of Stretch reflex

A

The stretch reflex constitutes a feedback loop that maintains muscle length and hence dictates posture.

27
Q

Role of cortical pathways in Posture maintenance ( tone)

A

Descending motor pathways (e.g., corticospinal) comprising upper motor neurons can regulate muscle tone and hence posture by influencing components of the reflex arc.
Deviations in muscular length from optimal levels trigger adjustments in the activity of α-motor neurons, yielding contraction of the stretched muscle and relaxation of opposing muscles

28
Q

Two systems involved in modulating the stretch reflex

A

1) Descending fibers (such as corticospinal tract)

2) Efferent fibers (gamma motor neuron)

29
Q

Role of Gamma motor neurons (gamma loop) in posture maintence

A
  • Smaller γ motor neurons modulate the excitability of
    muscle spindles.
  • When the muscle contracts, the tension of the muscle spindle is reduced, and the spindle is no longer able to measure changes of the muscle length.
  • The γ motor neurons therefore activate the contractile ends of the muscle spindle fibers and maintain the tension of the middle region of the intrafusal fibers where the sensory axons are located.
  • This co-activation of α and γ motor neurons (i.e., co-activation within the gamma loop) enables the spindles to function at all muscle lengths, thereby regulating both precision of movement and maintenance of posture.
30
Q

Why is the inverse stretch reflex (inverse myotatic or Golgi tendon reflex) is slower than the myotatic reflex?

A

1) The Ib fibers that constitute the afferent limb of the inverse myotatic reflex may be of marginally smaller
diameter and hence, on average, support slightly lower conduction velocities than the Ia fibers.
2) It is polysynaptic (not monosynaptic), delaying responses.

31
Q

Function of the inverse stretch reflex

A

Protection of the muscle and tendon. Dangerously contracted muscles relax via negative feedback.

32
Q

Pathway of the inverse stretch reflex

A

1) Starts at golgi tendon organ
2) 1b fiber carries the signal to the spinal cord
3) synapses with inhibitory interneuron
4) Alpha motor neuron is inhibited and muscle relaxes

33
Q

What is the flexion reflex?

A

Noxious stimulation of the skin induces a polysynaptic
reflex which produces ipsilateral excitation of flexor muscles (and inhibition of extensors) and contralateral
excitation of extensor muscles (and inhibition of
flexors)
- causes withdrawal or protective flexion following a noxious stimulus

34
Q

Components of the Flexion reflex

A
  • Afferent limb: nociceptive fibers (A delta and C).
  • CNS units: a number of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons over many spinal segments (Lissauer’s Tract).
  • Efferent limbs: alpha motor neurons, ipsilateral flexors and contralateral extensors
35
Q

What is the flexion crossed extension reflex?

A

In the flexion reflex, when pulling away from a noxious stimulus ( activation of flexors and inhibition of extensors), some fibers cross over cause extension ( activation of extensors and inhibition of flexors) of the contralateral limb

36
Q

What is the normal response seen to the Plantar Reflex ( in those over 2 years old )?

A

Flexion of the toes, a response that may be masked by vigorous withdrawal of the leg ( if patient is too sensitive)

37
Q

What is the abnormal response seen to the Plantar Reflex ( in those over 2 years old )?

A

Dorsiflexion of the big toe, often accompanied by fanning of the other toes.

38
Q

What is the abnormal plantar response called?

A

Babinski’s sign

39
Q

What does a Babinski’s sign indicate?

A

a dysfunctional lateral corticospinal system. Such dysfunctions could reflect cortical or axonal disruptions, demyelination, etc.

40
Q

Why do newborns show an extensor plantar response?

A

because their pyramidal (corticospinal) tract is immature (incompletely myelinated).

41
Q

Is there a non pathlogical reason for exhibiting the extensor plantar response?

A

yes, during Sleep

42
Q

What does Hyperreflexia indicate?

A
  • suggest an upper motor neuron lesion.
  • The damage may affect the motor cortex (e.g., precentral gyrus) or other corticospinal sites
  • In spinal cord lesions, hyperreflexia may develop after a
    phase of areflexia, which characterizes ‘spinal shock’
43
Q

What causes Spinal shock?

A

Extensive bilateral spinal damage

44
Q

What occurs in spinal shock?

A
  • Transient areflexia occurs caudal to the site of the lesion.
  • Disrupted reflexes will typically re-emerge after several weeks.
45
Q

Causes of Hyporeflexia and Areflexia

A

Lesions of:

1) Peripheral sensory neurons (afferent limb)
2) Lower motor neurons (efferent Limb)
3) Neuromuscular junctions (eg: Myasthenia gravis)
4) Muscle (eg: Muscular dystrophies)
5) spinal cord segment

Neuroscience (32 decks)

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