Somatosensory Flashcards
What are the four classes of sensory axons in order of size/speed (fastest to slowest)?
A-alpha
A-Beta
A-Delta
C Fibers
Most common type of cutaneous receptors found in the skin
free nerve endings; detect pain and temperature
Meissner’s corpuscle
Touch
Ruffini’s Corpuscle
Vibration
Pacinian Corpuscle
Flutter
Merkel’s Disc
Continuous touch against skin
Dermis and epidermis
Epidermis is outer layer of skin, dermis is inner layer of skin
Pacinian Corpuscle
Flutter (to see if things are smooth or rough)
Dermis and epidermis
Epidermis is outer layer of skin, dermis is inner layer of skin fat is below this
What pathway conveys touch information to the somatosensory cortex?
The Dorsal column medial lemniscus pathway
What pathway conveys pain information to the somatosensory cortex?
The anterolateral pathway
Gate-control theory of pain
An area in the spinal cord called the Substantia Gelatinosa releases endorphins to ‘shut the gate’ of the pain receptors being activated
Where is the Primary Somatosensory Cortex located?
In the postcentral gyrus of the Parietal Lobe
Where is the Primary Somatosensory Cortex located?
In the postcentral gyrus of the Parietal Lobe
