Chapter 13 Neuro: Spinal Cord

Front

What is the term for the wasting away of muscle tissue secondary to damage to the lower motor neurons and/or subsequent loss of nerve supply?

Back

Atrophy

Front

What type of muscles are under voluntary control?

Back

Skeletal muscles

Front

What reflex involves the withdrawal of a limb in response to painful stimuli with the simultaneous extension of the limb on the opposite side for stability?

Back

Crossed extension reflex

Front

What are the specialized intrafusal fibers of skeletal muscle that are sensitive to changes in muscle length called?

Back

Muscle spindles

Front

What is the area of synaptic connection between an axon terminal and skeletal muscle fibers?

Back

Neuromuscular junction

Front

What is the role of lower motor neurons in muscle function?

Back

Lower motor neurons directly innervate skeletal muscles, facilitating voluntary movement.

Front

What is the function of muscle spindles in the body?

Back

Muscle spindles detect changes in muscle length and the rate of that change, contributing to proprioception.

Front

What is the difference between upper motor neurons and lower motor neurons?

Back

Upper motor neurons originate in the brain and send signals to lower motor neurons, which then innervate muscles.

Front

What is the significance of the neuromuscular junction in muscle contraction?

Back

The neuromuscular junction is where the motor neuron communicates with the muscle fiber, triggering contraction.

Front

What is atrophy and what causes it?

Back

Atrophy is the reduction in muscle mass due to disuse, denervation, or disease.