VMM Glossary Flashcards
Absolute refractory period
Period just after the neuron fires and it is beginning to re-polarize. It cannot fire again, regardless of the stimulus during this time
Action potential
Large depolarizing signal that is actively propagated along an axon by the repeated generation of a signal. It will travel the length of the axon without losing strength
Active insufficiency
Muscles generate the most force when they are near their resting length. Lengthening or shortening the muscle decreases the force it can produce. The muscles have more strength near the resting length because that is where there is the most cross-bridging between the actin and myosin filaments
Alpha motor neuron
Large myelinated nerve fibers that go to extrafusal muscle fibers to stimulate contraction. Largest motor neuron
Anterior
Synonym for ventral
ASIS
Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (term from human medicine for the tuber coxae)
Autogenic inhibition
Contraction of a muscle stimulates the golgi tendon organs which cause relaxation of the muscle
Calcanea contact
Uses the “heel” of the hand as the Dr. contact point. It is important to support the wrist of the contact hand to prevent hyperextension during the HVLA
Central Pattern Generators (CPG)
Neural networks that are capable of generating rhythmic motor activity in the absence of sensory feedback. They signal the basic rhythm of gait. It is then modulated to adapt to terrain and avoid obstacles
Co-contraction
Contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles simultaneously, often used to stabilize joints
Complex joint
Joint with 2 or more articulating surfaces and an articular disc
Costotransverse joint
Articulation between the tubercle of the rib and the costotransverse surface on the transverse process of the caudal thoracic vertebra
Costovertebral joint
Articulation between the demi-facet and the rib head. Each rib head forms a costovertebral joint with 2 vertebrae
Coupled motion
Motion around 1 axis that is consistently and automatically associated with movement around a second axis. For example: lateral bend coupled with rotation
CPG
Central pattern generator
Demi-facet
Joint surface on the thoracic vertebrae for articulation with the rib head. It is between the pedicle and the vertebral body
Directed thrust
Thrust in the plane of the joint surfaces
Dorsal longitudinal ligament
Located within the spinal canal on the dorsal aspect of the vertebral bodies. This ligament resists over-flexion of the spine
Dorsal plate
Dorsal half of the spinal cord; carries mostly sensory information
Double pisiform
Uses the pisiform process (just proximal to the 5th metacarpal) as the Dr. contact point, the pisiform process of the other hand is placed in the “snuff ox” of the first. The fingers of the second hand support the wrist of the first
Dural torque
The dura extends the length of the spine and follows the nerve roots through the intervertebral foramen. It is relatively inelastic. It is thought that any restriction may create tension on the dura causing pain and decreased ROM even at sites distant to the restriction. One description likens it to pulling one corner of a tablecloth to create folds and tension throughout
Dysfacilitation
Relates to the utilization of altered motor control strategies. Compare to inhibition
Feed-back
The actual movement is compared to the intended movement and changes are made if necessary
Feed-forward
Muscle actions needed for a movement are planned in advance of the action. Mechanisms are fast and depend on prior experience
Force-time principle
The time over which a force is applied is as important as the size of the force in altering movement. Increasing the time will increase the force
Gamma motor neuron
Goes to the muscle spindle cell (MSC) so that the MSC is effective at all muscle lengths. The gamma motor neuron regulates the sensitivity of the MSC