physiology of the spinal cord Flashcards
What are the 2 fundamental functions of the spinal cord
initial processing of somatosensory input by the cns
final processing of motor output by the cns
What is the motor system
Our muscles and the neurons that command them.
What are the lower motor neurons
They are motor neurons present in the spinal cord and they are the final common path for all signals from the cns to skeletal muscles.
What is a motor unit
a single alpha motor neuron and the muscle fibres that it innervates
What is proprioception and name 2 proprioceptive organs
Self-detection
muscle spindles- negative feedback regulation of muscle length
Golgi tendon organs- negative feedback regulation of muscle tension
What do tendon organs and spindles respond to
they respond to muscle tension, spindles respond to length, but in a manner modified by the activity of their own contractile elements.
