spinal cord - pathways Flashcards
What does medial lemniscal pathway signal?
Signals proprioception, touch, pressure, and vibration with a three-neuron chain.
What does decussate mean?
Axons cross midline so brain processes information
Steps of the medial lemniscal pathway
Skin -> brainstem -> medulla -> thalamus -> primary somatosensory cortex
What does anterolateral pathway signal?
Signals related to crude touch, pressure, pain, and temperature with a 3 neuron chain
Steps of the anterolateral pathway signal
Skin -> spinal cord -> thalamus -> primary somatosensory cortex
What does sensory pathways do?
Ascend toward brain
What does motor pathways do?
Descend from brain
What does tactile receptors do?
Detect characteristics of an object (touch).
What does proprioceptors do?
Detect stretch in joints, muscles, tendons. Being aware of your body in space.
What does visceral sensory receptors do?
Detect change in an organ
What does spinocerebellar pathway signal?
Signals body awareness with a 2-neuron chain
Steps of spinocerebellar pathway
Skin -> spinal cord -> cerebellum
What are motor pathways?
Control effectors like skeletal muscles
What are upper motor neurons?
Talks to lower neuron and spinal cord
What is lower motor neuron?
Innervates muscle
