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physiology > structure n function of motor neuron > Flashcards

structure n function of motor neuron Flashcards

1
Q

where do upper motor neurones originate and where do they travel to?

A

cerebral cortex -> brain stem/spinal cord

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2
Q

where do lower motor neurons begin and where do they travel to?

A

begin in spinal cord and go to innervate muscles and glands throughout the body

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3
Q

what neurotransmitters do upper motor neurons use?

A

glutamate

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4
Q

what neurotransmitter do lower motor neurons use

A

acetylcholine

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5
Q

which neurons are involved in reflexes - upper lower or both

A

just lower - quicker

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6
Q

in voluntary actions which neurons are involved - upper lower or both

A

both, because voluntary actions are backed by thoughts
involves motor neurons in the brain

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7
Q

what is a ganglion

A

a collection of neuronal bodies found in the voluntary and autonomic branches of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)

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8
Q

what are oligodendrocytes

A

myelinating cells of the CNS
they produce myelin

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9
Q

what are astrocytes

A

specialised glial cells
support neurons, provide a suitable environment for neuronal signalling

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10
Q

what are glial cells

A

help support, connect, and protect the neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems

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11
Q

what does denervation mean

A

damage to peripheral nerves

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12
Q

what symptoms do upper motor neurons show if they are damage

A

spasticity
normal peripheral nerves
easily diagnosed by clinical examination

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13
Q

what symptoms do lower motor neurons show if they are damaged

A

flaccid
loss of axons or peripheral nerve cell body

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14
Q

what are the 2 types of sensory function

A
  1. Discriminative touch
    • Ability to distinguish objects, shapes & surfaces with fingers & skin
  2. Pain & Temperature
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15
Q

how may myelin be damaged

A

acquired or inherited

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16
Q

how may the axon be damaged

A
  • Direct injury
  • Toxins
  • Metabolic disturbances
  • Secondary damage due to damaged myelin
17
Q

how may there be loss of motor and/or sensory function in the distribution of the nerve affected

A

always due to axon damage

18
Q

name the 3 different ways trauma can damage an axon

A

compression
transection
stretching

19
Q

give examples of peripheral neuropathy which may lead to axon being damaged

A
  • Diabetes, B12 deficiency
  • Inflammation, autoimmune
  • Infection, HIV, Leprosy
  • Drugs & Toxins
  • Inherited
20
Q

how may peripheral neuropathy be classified (4 types) and briefly what does each one mean

A
  • Length dependant
    • Denervation & loss of function in a length dependent manner
  • Non-length dependant
    • Patchy process which affects both long & short nerves
    • Traumatic causes tend to me non-length dependant
  • Mononeuropathy
    • Specific nerve damaged, e.g., median nerve
  • Radiculopathy
    • Damage at root
21
Q

how may peripheral neuropathy be classified (4 types) and briefly what does each one mean

A
  • Length dependant
    • Denervation & loss of function in a length dependent manner
  • Non-length dependant
    • Patchy process which affects both long & short nerves
    • Traumatic causes tend to me non-length dependant
  • Mononeuropathy
    • Specific nerve damaged, e.g., median nerve
  • Radiculopathy
    • Damage at root
22
Q

how may damage to axons due to trauma be classified - 3 types, briefly describe them and state can it recover?

A
  • Axonotmesis - only a few axons damaged
    • Can recover but slow and may be incomplete
  • Neurotmesis - complete transection of peripheral nerve - both nerve & nerve sheath are disrupted
    • Recovery required grafting transected ends
  • Medical cause
    • Peripheral neuropathy
23
Q

how fast can an axon regrow - distance

A
  • Recovery required axon regrowth (1mm/day)
24
Q

name two types of myelin damaged, and which is permanent

A
  • Neuropraxia - damage to myelin on nerve - temporary & reversible
    • Can happen due to trauma, surgery, anaesthesia, or sports like football and rugby that stretch or compress the nerve
  • Demyelination - Damage to myelin around nerve
    • slows down conduction of nerve, and can result in nerve not working at all where myelin is damaged
25
Q

what is Wallerian degeneration

A
  • Wallerian degeneration is the breakdown of nerve fibres and their protective coating after an injury or disease damages the nerve cell body.
26
Q

symptoms of a damaged sensory nerve

A
  • Altered sensation
  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Paraesthesia
27
Q

symptoms of a damaged motor nerve

A
  • Atrophy
  • Weakness
  • Paralysis
28
Q

changes in muscles would you experience after denervation

A
  • Atrophy
  • Spontaneous motor activity
    • Fibrillations and fasciculations
    • Cramps
  • Muscles remain visible for up to 2 years without a nerve supply after which they fibrose and cannot return to normal function

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