Sensory and Motor Tracts Flashcards
What are the major sensory pathways of the spinal cord?
Dorsal Columns, Spinothalamic Tract, Spinocerebellar Tract
These pathways carry sensory information from receptors to the brain.
What is the role of sensory pathways in normal functional activity?
They carry information from sensory receptors to the brain, enabling perception and response.
Name the three sensory neurons involved in each sensory pathway.
- First order neuron
- Second order neuron
- Third order neuron
Where is the sensory cell body of the first order neuron located?
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
Where is the cell body of the second order neuron typically found?
Dorsal horn or brain stem
What is the significance of the somatosensory cortex?
It is the general address for sensory information processing.
Fill in the blank: The Dorsal Columns pathway carries __________ touch and proprioception.
fine
What types of sensory information does the Spinothalamic Tract carry?
- Pain
- Temperature
- Crude touch
True or False: The Spinothalamic pathway is also known as the anterolateral system.
True
What is sensory ataxia?
Inability to perceive position or movement of limbs, often due to Dorsal Column damage.
What is the role of the Spinocerebellar Tract?
Carries unconscious proprioceptive information to the cerebellum.
What are the symptoms of cerebellar ataxia?
- Clumsy movements
- Incoordination of limbs
- Wide-based gait
What is the effect of spinal cord injury at T6?
Paraplegia, paralysis, and sensory loss in the lower half of the body.
Name the two main types of motor pathways.
- Pyramidal (DIRECT)
- Extrapyramidal (INDIRECT)
What is the primary function of pyramidal pathways?
Control conscious movements.
Where do corticospinal tracts decussate?
After the pyramids and at segmental levels.
What is the role of the Rubrospinal Tract?
Fine motor coordination primarily in upper limbs.
What does the Tectospinal Tract control?
Neck muscles and head-eye coordination based on visual/auditory feedback.
What is the function of the Vestibulospinal Tract?
Maintains balance.
What is the primary role of Reticulospinal tracts?
Modulates motor functions and autonomic functions.
Fill in the blank: The Spinothalamic pathway synapses in the __________.
thalamus
True or False: The Dorsal Column pathway carries information about pain.
False
What is the main consequence of Dorsal Column damage?
Loss of fine touch and proprioception.
What type of sensory information does the Spinocerebellar Tract provide?
Unconscious proprioception.
