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Phys
Exam 1
242
Physiology
Professional
01/21/2013

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Term
lipid portion of the cell membrane
Definition
phospholipid, cholesterol, and glycolipid

these make the membrane highly permeable to lipid soluble substances (gases, O2, CO2)
Term
protein portion of the cell membrane
Definition
structural proteins, transporters, enzymes, hormone receptors, antigens, and ion/water channels
Term
movement in the lipid bilayer
Definition
phospholipid molecule rotate and the fatty acid chains bend

rapid lateral diffusion occurs, but phospholipids rarely cross to the other half of the bilayer
Term
can the lipid composition of the 2 halves of the membrane be different?
Definition
yes
Term
intrinsic membrane proteins
Definition
ion/water channels, transporters, hormone receptors, cell surface antigens

usually span the bilayer completely (alpha helices with hydrophilic AA sidechains with the helix)
Term
extrinsic membrane proteins
Definition
don't penetrate bilayer (can be located on either the cytosolic or extracellular side)
attachment occurs via weak ionic interactions to membrane phospholipids or regions of intrinsic membrane proteins
Term
carbohydrates on the extracellular surface
Definition
glycolipids (10% of lipids), glycoproteins (extrinsic), monosaccharides (help determine receptor specificity)
Term
passive transport
Definition
substance is transported down an electrochemical gradient & doesn't not require energy

simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion
Term
active transport
Definition
substance is transported against an electrochemical gradient and requires the use of metabolic energy (ATP)

primary active transport and secondary active transport
Term
calculating a gradient
Definition
difference between 2 quantities/distance (length) separating them
Term
saturation
Definition
binding sites of the carrier proteins are all occupied with solute and no new solute can be transported

simple diffusion cannot saturate
Term
stereospecificity
Definition
binding of solute to its transporter or carrier molecule is highly stereospecific (D-glucose but not L-glucose gets transported across the intestine wall)

simple diffusion doesn't distinguish among isomers
Term
competition
Definition
structurally similar solutes can compete for the same transporter by binding to the same site (D-galactose vs. D-glucose)
Term
FLUX, J
Definition
rate of net diffusion of solute molecules

depends on concentration, thickness of membrane, lipid solubility, diffusion coefficient, permeability of solute
Term
[C1 - C2]
Definition
concentration difference across a membrane (bigger the [] gradient, the larger the flux)
Term
facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion because...
Definition
allows higher rates of solute transport than simple diffusion at the typically low solute concentrations
it's saturable
it's solute specific
it can be inhibited by substances that compete with the solute for a carrier or channel
Term
ion channels differ from facilitated diffusion because...
Definition
driven by an electrochemical gradient
regulated - ion movement only occurs when channels are open
much faster - 100 million ions/sec
involved in electrical signaling/secretory processes
Term
primary active transport
Definition
directly coupled to an energy producing reaction
one of the most studied is the Na+/K+ ATPase/sodium pump
Term
Na+/K+ ATPase/sodium pump
Definition
exchanges 3 Na+ for 2 K+ ions (electrogenic)
Term
inhibitors of the Na+/K+ ATPase/sodium pump
Definition
cardiac glycosides: ouabain and digoxin
Term
Ca2+ ATPase
Definition
found in membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and some plasmalemma membranes
it removes calcium from the cytoplasm
Term
H+/K+ ATPase
Definition
found in gastric parietal cells of stomach and cells of the tubule of the kidney
Term
secondary active transport
Definition
movement of solute against the gradient is driven by the energy stored in the electrochemical gradient that exists for Na+ ions, so it depends on primary active transport
Term
symport/co-transport
Definition
all solutes move in the same direction across the cell membrane
Term
antiport/countertransport
Definition
solute moves in opposite direction to sodium across the cell membrane, against it's own [] gradient
Term
osmosis
Definition
water moves rapidly across membranes through channels called aquaporins
occurs due to a difference in [] of particles of solute that is unable to cross the membrane
Term
osmolarity
Definition
expresses the number of solute particles present in solution
Term
resting membrane potential
Definition
electrical potential difference across a membrane (the inside of a cell is 65-75 mV negative to the outside under resting conditions
Term
polarized membrane
Definition
a membrane that maintains separation of charges

hyperpolarized: more negative than RMP
depolarizzed: less negative than RMP
Term
equilibrium potential
Definition
electrical potential at which there is no longer any net movement of K+ down its [] gradient

Ek = (RTln/zF)([K]o/[K]i)
Term
threshold
Definition
critical value of the membrane potential or the level of depolarization at which an impulse is initiated
Term
upstroke
Definition
rapid depolarization (reduction) in membrane potential from resting values towards zero
Term
overshoot
Definition
reversal of the membrane potential during the peak of the AP
Term
depolarization
Definition
reduction of membrane potential from resting value towards zero
Term
repolarization
Definition
return of the AP towards RMP
Term
hyperpolarization
Definition
increase in membrane potential from RMP
Term
absolute refractory period
Definition
time following an AP during which a stimulus cannot elicit a second AP
Term
relative refractory period
Definition
time during which only an extra strong stimulus (much larger than normally required) can trigger an AP
Term
velocity of an AP
Definition
conduction velocity increases with the diameter of the axon
Term
action potentials depend on...
Definition
voltage-gated, Na+/K+ selective transmembrane ion channels
assymetric chemical gradients for Na+/K+ ions across the nerve membrane (established by Na+/K+ ATPase)
negative RMP which provides a huge electrical gradient for Na+ movement
Term
AP velocity in unmyelinated fibers
Definition
velocity is proportional to the square root of the axon diameter in unmyelinated fibers
Term
synaptic vesicles
Definition
transmitter is stored within these vesicles, located in the terminal bouton
Term
calcium ions are removed from the cell by...
Definition
sodium/calcium exchange
active transport across the plasma membrane or into the SR
uptake by the mitochondria or calcium-binding proteins
Term
auto-receptors
Definition
receptors that respond to their nerve's own transmitters
when activated they reduce the amount of transmitter released in response to APs
work by reducing the amount of Ca2+ that enters the nerve terminal in response to depolarization
Term
hetero-receptors
Definition
transmitter released from one nerve terminal acts on its own receptors located on a target terminal to increase/decrease Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated ion channels
widely used in CNS to modify the evoked release of transmitter from targeted nerves
Term
post-synaptic density
Definition
where all receptors are located
Term
pre-synaptic terminal
Definition
hundreds of vesicles attached to cytoskeleton and some to the membrane that overlays the innervated post-synaptic membrane
Term
botulinum toxin
Definition
blocks the release of transmitter at the skeletal neuromuscular junction and causes muscle paralysis
Term
tetanus toxin
Definition
blocks the release of transmitter from inhibitory neurons in the CNS, leading to over excitation of muscles or "tetanus"
Term
black widow/spider venom
Definition
alpha latrotoxin - causes a massive fusion of vesicles with the nerve terminal and release of transmitter. the pool of vesicles is depleted and nerve terminal becomes enlarged
Term
L-glutamate
Definition
major excitatory transmitter in CNS
Term
GABA
Definition
major inhibitory transmitter in CNS
Term
L-glycine
Definition
inhibitory transmitter in spinal cord & brainstem
Term
acetylcholine
Definition
CNS & PNS (skeletal NMJ & autonomic NS)
Term
norepinephrine
Definition
CNS & PNS (sympathetic neuroeffector junction)
Term
serotonin
Definition
CNS & PNS (enteric nervous system)
Term
dopamine
Definition
CNS
Term
peptide transmitters
Definition
stored in large dense cored vesicles (LDCV) usually occur along with small synpatic vesicles that store low molecular weight transmitters
Term
metabolic breakdown of transmitter
Definition
transmitter is inactivated and removed from the synaptic cleft by metabolic breakdown with acetylcholine and peptides
Term
macromolecules involved with transmitters
Definition
macromolecules are moved down the axon to the nerve terminal by fast axonal transport that requires ATP
Term
peptide transmitters
Definition
synthesized in precursor form in the cell body and transferred by fast axonal transport to the terminal in the LDCV
Term
fast chemical signaling (ionotropic)
Definition
transmitter interacts with receptors that are part of a trans membrane ion channel (ionotropic signaling)
Term
slow chemical signaling
Definition
transmitter interacts with G-protein coupled receptors (metabotropic signaling)
Term
discrete synapses
Definition
presynaptic terminal lies immediately above the postsynaptic density of the postsynaptic neuron where receptors are clustered together. Signaling is fast, precise, and reliable. Such synapses use ionotropic signaling and convey info from one part of the nervous system to another
Term
diffuse ("en passant") synapses
Definition
consist of highly branched networks of beaded fibers which pass by the postsynaptic neurons at a variable distance. Such synapses typically use G-protein coupled signaling mechanisms. Signaling is slow and modulates fast isotropic signaling
Term
postsynaptic receptors
Definition
bind chemical signaling molecules with high specificity and high affinity (ligands)
Term
agonist
Definition
ligand that produces a response in the target cell when it binds to the receptor
Term
antagonist
Definition
ligand that binds with high affinity to the receptor but doesn't produce a response
Term
transducers
Definition
all receptors are transducers
they convert a chemical signal into a cellular response
Term
postsynaptic potential (PSP)
Definition
a trans-membrane voltage change that is brought about by an ionic current that flows through the opened channels
Term
excitatory transmitters
Definition
acetylcholine and L-glutamate
Term
inhibitory transmitters
Definition
GABA and glycine
Term
EPSP
Definition
excitatory post synaptic potential
produced by an inward positive ionic current (sodium)
Term
IPSP
Definition
inhibitory postsynaptic potential
produced by an inward movement of negatively charged ions (chloride) driving the membrane toward hyperpolarization

make a neuron more difficult to excite
Term
single channel current
Definition
the ionic current that flows through a single ion channel per unit time
Term
synaptic current
Definition
sum of all single channel currents flowing through the membrane in response to the released transmitter
Term
unitary postsynaptic potential
Definition
change in membrane potential produced by the synaptic current that flows when transmitter is released from a single synaptic vesicle. When multiple packets are released, they add up and produce either a EPSP or IPSP (depending on the transmitter)
Term
AMPA receptors
Definition
L-glutamate acts at AMPA receptors found throughout the CNS, which allow Na+ and K+ ions to pass and set up fast EPSPs in response to released L-glutamate

Mediate fast ionotropic signaling, conveying info from one part of the CNS to the other
Term
NMDA receptors
Definition
occur together with AMPA receptors and have a special role in synaptic transmission. Blocked by Mg ions at RMP, but are opened by the combined action of L-glutamate binding to the receptors and the ongoing depolarization of the presynaptic neuron by high frequency activation of adj AMPA receptors
Term
accommodation
Definition
at many central synapses, prolonged neuronal depolarization produces only a brief burst of APs and AP firing stops even though depolarization persists

this arises b/c prolonged depolarization of neurons also opens certain classes of K+ channels which prevent AP firing
Term
modulatory transmitters
Definition
transmitters that allows AP firing to continue for as long as the neuron is depolarized. It blocks the depolarization-induced changes in the postsynaptic neuron responsible for accommodation
Term
modulation
Definition
when G-protein coupled signaling changes the effectiveness of fast ionotropic signaling
Term
D-tibocurare toxin
Definition
binds ligand-gated ion channels
binds nicotinic cholinergic receptors, usually at the skeletal NMJ
causes mm. paralysis
Term
strychnine toxin
Definition
binds ligand-gated ion channels
blocks the action of the CNS inhibitory transmitter glycine
causes convulsions
Term
G-protein coupled receptor signaling involves 4 things...
Definition
1. extracellular signal/first messenger
2. a receptor in the target cell plasma membrane that binds the first messenger
3. heterotrimetric GTP-binding protein
4. an effector mechanism that produces an intracellular signal/second messenger
Term
G-proteins
Definition
heterodimeric complexes made of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits

bind guanine nucleotides and serve as a link between G-protein coupled receptors and their target effectors
Term
removal of Ca2+ from the cell
Definition
-active transport (Ca2+ ATPase)
-Na+/Ca2+ exchange (antiport)
-storage in the ER
-mitochondrial uptake
-Ca2+ binding proteins in the cytosol
Term
transmitters and their G-protein coupled receptors
Definition
acetylcholine - muscarinic (autonomic NS; CNS)
norepinephrine - alpha & beta (autonomic NS; CNS)
dopamine - D1 and D2 (striatum)
serotonin (5-HT) - 5HT1, 5HT2, 5HT4-7 (pain, GI, and CNS function)
Term
desensitization
Definition
when receptors are exposed to a high concentration of agonist (transmitter) for an extended period of time and they very quickly become unresponsive
Term
desensitization of ligand-gated ion channels
Definition
conformational change occurs to the receptor ionophore that makes it unresponsive to the agonist
Term
desensitization of G-protein coupled receptors
Definition
receptors are internalized so that the number present in the plasma membrane is reduced or down regulated
Term
long term potentiation (LTP)
Definition
when central synapses are activated strongly, the number of receptors expressed in the postsynaptic membrane may be increased or up regulated and hence transmission strengthened (and it lasts for hours/days)
Term
long term depression (LTD)
Definition
weakly activated central synapses may show a reduced expression or down regulation of receptors that also persists for hours or days
Term
sensory receptors
Definition
specialized structures that respond to specific changes in the environment
Term
exteroreceptors
Definition
convey info about the external environment
Term
interoreceptors
Definition
convey info about the internal environment
Term
sensory modality
Definition
differentiates one type of sensation (hearing) from others
there are qualitative and quantitative differences in different modalities
Term
sensory unit
Definition
a single sensory nerve and the receptor or receptors to which it responds
Term
receptive field
Definition
the area of response for the receptor in each separate sensory unit
Term
transduction
Definition
how receptors function by converting energy of the stimulus into electrical signals in the nervous system
Term
adequate stimulus
Definition
the specific stimulus that normally activates a particular type of sensory receptor
produces a graded electrical potential in the receptor
Term
generator potential
Definition
when the graded potential of the adequate stimulus is the sensory nerve ending itself
Term
receptor potential
Definition
when the graded potential of the adequate stimulus is non-neural
Term
pacinian corpuscle
Definition
a somatic sensory receptor that responds to touch and pressure and consists of a free nerve surrounded by layers of connective tissue
it is a phasic receptor (if compression is maintained, the nerve terminals eventually return to their original state)
Term
tonic receptors
Definition
fire for as long as the stimulus is applied, or show only very slow adaptation (pain receptors)
Term
intensity of a stimulus is encoded by...
Definition
the frequency of firing of nerve APs in individual sensory nerves
(frequency code of stimulus intensity)
Term
population code of stimulus intensity
Definition
how a stronger stimulus will produce compression of a larger area (i.e. more pacinian corpuscles will respond and more sensory fibers will be activated)
Term
labeled-line code of stimulus
Definition
the mechanism for coding the type of stimulus that a receptor detects
Term
sensory acuity
Definition
how well different stimuli can be discriminated
depends on the size and placement of receptive fields relative to one another
Term
at the first order neuron...
Definition
the receptive field is the area on the skin where applied pressure excites the neuron
Term
at the second order neuron...
Definition
the receptive field changes shape, it now has an excitatory center and an inhibitory surround (produced by activation of adj receptors)
Term
at the third order neuron...
Definition
a similar receptive field is obtained. It persists at the first cortical synapse , but after further processing it leads to summation of annular receptive fields and generation of bars of excitation and inhibition
Term
hair follicle receptor
Definition
very sensitive to light touch; nerve ending wrapped around follicle activated when hair bends
Term
Merkels disk
Definition
sensitive to light touch; located in the dermis; a single fiber innervates many discs
Term
Meissner's corpuscles
Definition
occurs in hairless skin such as soles of feet, palms, lips, etc
Term
radidly adapting receptors
Definition
hair follicle receptor
Merkels disk
Pacinian corpuscle
Meissner's corpuscle
Term
Ruffini ending
Definition
responds to stretch of skin
slowly adapting receptor
Term
tactile receptors
Definition
sense mechanical stimulation of the body's surface, involved in sensing touch, pressure, and vibration
Term
thermal receptors
Definition
sense changes in temperature of the body's surface
(below and above 30 degrees C)
Term
nociceptors
Definition
pain receptors
high threshold receptors activated by noxious stimuli; most numerous in the skin, but found elsewhere in body as well
Term
proprioceptors
Definition
detect limb movements and position
Term
polymodal nociceptors
Definition
respond to high intensity mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli
Term
dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway
Definition
convey sensory info to the brain that provides very precise sensations concerning pressure, vibration, and proprioception
crosses over to the contralateral side in the medulla
Term
anterolateral pathways
Definition
convey info on temperature, touch, and itch
crosses over in the spinal cord
Term
nociceptive pain
Definition
due to direct activation of receptors sensitive to noxious stimuli in the skin or soft tissue
usually arises from damaged tissue and inflammation
Term
neuropathic pain
Definition
due to direct injury to peripheral or central nerves
burning sensation
may occur after a bout of shingles or after severing sensory nerves
Term
classes of peripheral nociceptors
Definition
thermal, mechanical, polymodal, visceral
Term
first pain
Definition
occurs within about 0.1s and is transmitted through Ad fibers and is generally produced by mechanical or thermal stimuli
Term
second pain
Definition
occurs after a second or more
due to activation of polymodal nociceptors and their slowly conducting, small diameter, unmyelinated C fibers
Term
non-noxious afferent nerves
Definition
their activation significantly reduces pain
large diameter, low threshold sensory fibers
Term
allodynia
Definition
normal stimuli are painful (stroking a sunburn with a feather)
pain only occurs with a stimulus
Term
hyperalgesia
Definition
tremendous hypersensitivity to painful stimuli
mediated via peripheral or central mechanisms
involves tissue injury
Term
gate control theory
Definition
1. second order projection neurons in spinal cord are activated by both nociceptive and non-nociceptive afferents
2. afferent inputs also influence firing of inhibitory interneuron which innervates the second order projection neuron (noci afferents = inhibit non-noci = excite)
3. intensity of pain depends on balance of activity btw noci and non-noci afferents
4. TENS
Term
transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS)
Definition
direct electrical stimulation of large diameter afferent fibers that overlap an area of injury and pain is used to relieve intractable pain
Term
Enkephalin-containing interneurons
Definition
inhibit the release of substance P from nociceptor afferents
Enkephalin released from the interneuron acts at presynaptic receptors on the terminals of nociceptor afferents to inhibit release of substance P (presynaptic inhibition)
Term
trigeminal neuralgia
Definition
consists of sudden severe pains, usually on one side of the face in the jaw region
Term
iris
Definition
determines the diameter of the pupil and hence the amount of light that falls on the retina
Term
cornea and lens
Definition
bend light rays and focus them on a retina to give an inverted image, they form a compound convex lens
Term
ocular accommodation
Definition
the way the focal length of the lens can be adjusted for near or distant vision
Term
presbyopia
Definition
loss of elasticity of the lens with age
increases the distance for the near point of accommodation
Term
retina
Definition
responds to light intensity
it contains photoreceptors that absorb photons
fovea only contains cones (color vision)
peripheral vision is mediated by both rods and cones (rods = night vision)
Term
aqueous humor
Definition
fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye
turns over rapidly
provides nutrients for the lens and cornea
Term
vitreous humor
Definition
gel that provides structure to the eyeball
Term
glaucoma
Definition
improper drainage of the aqueous humor that raises pressure throughout the eyeball and can damage the optic nerve
Term
photoreceptors
Definition
lie on the innermost layer of the retina, so light has to pass through the layers of nerve cells to reach the retina
have an outer segment where the signal transduction takes place and an inner segment which synthesizes the photopigments required for the detection of light
Term
rods
Definition
cylindrical in shape
found in the entire retina except the fovea
absorb a broad range of wavelengths with very high sensitivity
converge onto many bipolar cells which then converge on many ganglion cells producing a large receptive field
Term
cones
Definition
conical in shape
concentrated in the fovea; occur at very low density outside the fovea
sensitive to color
foveal cones synapse on single bipolar cells which then synapse on single ganglion cells (small receptive field, but images with a high resolution)
Term
dark current
Definition
a depolarizing current carried by photoreceptor cells in the absence of any light
produced by the inward movement of Na+ ions through cation selective channels located in the membrane of the outer segment of the photoreceptor
Term
rhodopsin
Definition
absorbs a photon and changes its conformation; transducin becomes activated and activates phosphodiesterase (causes a decrease in cGMP levels that closes cation selective channels in rod cell membrane)
photoreceptor cell becomes hyperpolarized and transmitter release is reduced
Term
T/F photoreceptors are always hyperpolarized by light
Definition
TRUE
this reduces their neurotransmitter output
Term
bipolar cells
Definition
two types exist:
1. responds to the decrease in photoreceptor transmitter release with a depolarization and release of transmitter
2. responds with a hyperpolarization and reduced transmitter release
Term
organization of cells in the retina
Definition
photoreceptors are connected to bipolar cells which in turn project to ganglion cells. Axons of ganglion cells form the optic nerve which conveys visual stimuli to the brain
Term
ganglion cells
Definition
fire tonically; their firing rate is altered by bipolar cell input
(depolarizing cells = increase in firing, hyperpolarizing cells = decrease in firing)
horizontal and amacrine cells also effect the firing rate of ganglion cells
Term
receptive field
Definition
areas of retina that excite or inhibit a retinal ganglion cell = receptive field for that ganglion
sometimes the center is inhibitory and the outside is excitatory or vice versa
Term
ganglion cell axons
Definition
make up the optic nerve
Term
optic nerve
Definition
made up of ganglion cell axons and projects through the "blind spot" of the retina and goes to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus
Term
ocular dominance columns
Definition
arrangements of cells in the visual cortex that respond to light from the right or left eye
Term
trichromatic theory
Definition
three types of cones all have different visual pigments that absorb blue, red, or green light
Term
small ganglion cells
Definition
respond to color and convey inputs to parvocellular neurons within the lateral geniculate
Term
large retinal ganglion cells
Definition
process info from cones that is not selective for color but for shape and movement. They convey inputs to magnocellular neurons in the lateral geniculate
Term
3 receptive fields for color
Definition
broad band
single opponent cells
double opponent cells
Term
presbyopia
Definition
loss of near vision due to hardening of the lens with age (loss of accommodation)
Term
myopia
Definition
nearsightedness
light falls in front of the retina b/c the eyeball is longer than normal or due to defects in the cornea/lens
Term
hypermetropia
Definition
image falls behind the retina due to a shorter than normal eyeball
Term
decibel (dB)
Definition
unit of sound intensity measured as pressure
Term
outer ear
Definition
funnels sound to middle ear
Term
middle ear
Definition
tympanic membrane vibrates due to sound waves
ossicles transmit vibrations to the oval window
oval window vibrates with movement of ossicles and transmits sound to the cochlear fluid
Term
inner ear
Definition
contains cochlea, basilar membrane, audio receptor hair cells, stereocilia, and the round window
Term
cochlea
Definition
fluid filled spiral tube wound up into a cone shape
Term
basilar membrane
Definition
flexible structure extending the length of the cochlea that vibrates with oochlear fluid in response to sound
Term
hair cells in inner ear
Definition
auditory receptor cells that are attached to the tectorial membrane via stereocilia
Term
stereocilia
Definition
attach hair cells to the tectorial membrane and sit on the basilar membrane
bend as basilar membrane vibrates which causes ion channels to open
Term
round window
Definition
dissipates the power of the vibration thereby preventing any residual effect from interfering with incoming signals
Term
frequency discrimination
Definition
depends on the specific part of the basilar membrane that vibrates in response to incoming sound stimulus
Term
tonotopic organization
Definition
auditory nerve fibers innervating hair cells near the base of the cochlea respond to high frequencies and those supplying hair cells at the apex respond to low frequencies
Term
characteristic frequency
Definition
what auditory nerve cells will respond to most readily (the lowest intensity frequency that they will respond to
Term
sound is localized by the CNS by:
Definition
1. the delay btw sound arriving in one ear versus the other (interaural time delay)
2. differences in intensity of sound from a single source perceived by the left and right ears due to greater attenuation of sound on one side of the head than the other
3. map in the brain for interaural time differences
Term
conductive hearing loss
Definition
arises from inadequate transmission of sound from the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. Causes are many and include damage to tympanic membrane, inflammation of the middle ear and damage to the ossicles
Term
sensorineural hearing loss
Definition
produced by damage to the organs of the inner ear to the cochlear nerve fibers or the hair cells. Can be caused by infectious agents, bone disease, or trauma (loud noise)
Term
central hearing loss
Definition
damage to or defects in the auditory pathways can produce profound loss of hearing
Term
tinnitus
Definition
ringing of the ears
Term
ampullae of semicircular canals
Definition
superior, inferior, horizontal
detect angular acceleration in one of the three planes due to bending of stereocilia
Term
kinocilium
Definition
largest of the stereocilia
Term
statoconia
Definition
calcium carbonate crystals within a membrane of the utricle and saccule where stereocilia are found
Term
vestibular-ocular reflexes
Definition
allow the eyes to fix on a point when the head rotates.
Term
nystagmus
Definition
The eyes move slowly in opposite direction to the head and when they have moved as far as possible they move rapidly in the direction of head rotation to fix on a new point of reference
Term
two gustatory pathways
Definition
1. first order sensory neurons of cranial nerves project to the gustatory nucleus in the brain stem . Second order neurons convey taste signals to the VPM nucleus of thalamus while 3rd order neurons relay taste info to the cerebral cortex
2. taste also conveyed via the limbic system to the hypothalamus (gives emotional qualities to taste)
Term
seven general odors humans detect
Definition
camphor, musk, floral, peppermint, ethereal, pungent, and putrid
Term
feedback control
Definition
errors are detected and corrected during execution of the movement; useful for slowly executed movements
Term
feedforward control
Definition
movements or entire sequences of movements are preprogrammed by extensive practice and can be mentally rehearsed; they can be re-enacted flawlessly with appropriate visual, proprioceptive and vestibular inputs that must anticipate the movement
Term
extrafusal fibers
Definition
comprise most of a muscle and generate mm movement. They are large, and have a large range in length. Stimulated to contract by the wide diameter alpha motor neurons
Term
intrafusal fibers
Definition
small and arranged in parallel to the extrafusal fibers. They are sensory organs designed to detect static mm length and changes in mm length. They are stimulated to contract by gamma motor neurons
Term
fast skeletal mm. characteristics
Definition
fast twitch - rapid contraction
white - little myoglobulin
anaerobic
fatigues rapidly
physical activity - intense, brief, precise contractions
Term
slow skeletal mm. characteristics
Definition
slow twitch - slow, sustained contraction
red - lots of myoglobin
aerobic
resistant to fatigue
posture - slow, tonic contractions
Term
motor unit
Definition
consists of a single motor neuron and the mm fibers it innervates
the basic functional unit that produces contraction of individual mm fibers
Term
innervation ratio
Definition
number of mm fibers innervated by a single motor neuron varies markedly depending on the mm
Term
topographical organization of motor neurons
Definition
neurons innervating axial mm are located medially while neurons innervating distal mm are located laterally
neurons supplying flexor mm lie dorsal to those supplying extensors
Term
motor neuron pool
Definition
the group of motor neurons that innervate a single mm
Term
muscle sensors
Definition
convey info about mm length, force, and speed of contraction in order to have coordinated movement
Term
muscle spindles
Definition
lie in parallel to the extrafusal fibers (stretch receptors) signal existing muscle length (static receptors) and changes in mm length (dynamic receptors)
found throughout mm, but are most concentrated in mm that execute fine movements
consist of intrafusal mm fibers wrapped in connective tissue
Term
two types of intrafusal fibers found in muscle spindles
Definition
nuclear chain fibers
nuclear bag fibers
Term
nuclear bag fibers
Definition
contain large numbers of nuclei clustered around a central region
very sensitive to stretch and provide info about rate of change of mm length (dynamic)
Term
nuclear chain fibers
Definition
have their nuclei arranged one after another like a chain
provide info about mm length (static)
Term
golgi tendon organs
Definition
are in series with extrafusal fibers and signal mm tension or force
Term
feedback control of muscle length
Definition
muscle spindles oppose changes in mm length over a spinal reflex
alpha motor neurons in spinal cord cause muscle to contract
Term
muscle tone
Definition
the resistance of a muscle to passive movement
tonic firing of static muscle spindles at a particular muscle length produces a reflex activation of the motor neuron pool producing normal tension
Term
gamma motor nerves
Definition
innervate the contractile regions at either end of the muscle spindle and, when activated, cause the intrafusal fiber to shorten and stretch the spindle
Term
stretch (myotatic) reflex
Definition
simplest reflex, only uses 2 neurons (knee jerk)
muscle spindles of the quads stretch and the muscle contracts while hamstrings are inhibited
Term
reciprocal inhibition
Definition
when the antagonist mm during a reflex are inhibited (quads contract, hamstrings are inhibited)
Term
inverse myotatic reflex
Definition
mediated by the golgi tendon organ and involves 2 synapses
activated when the tendon organ detects excessive force on a mm and activates antagonistic mm so that the mm in question will relax
Term
flexor withdrawal reflex
Definition
occurs in response to stimulation of nociceptors in the skin (experiencing a painful stimulus on one foot results in a rapid withdrawal of that foot away from the stimulus - activation of flexors and inhibition of extensors)
Term
crossed extension reflex
Definition
when a flexor withdrawal reflex occurs (with the foot), the foot on the opposite side of the body must balance the body while the other foot is moved away from a painful stimulus (extensors are activated and flexors inhibited in the unaffected limb)
Term
locomotor generators in spinal cord
Definition
control walking by producing alternating contractions and relaxation of the flexor /extensor mm of legs
under the control of the brainstem
Term
vestibular nuclei and vestibulospinal tracts (medial and lateral)
Definition
involved in the control of balance and posture
provide excitatory inputs to motor neurons of extensor mm to support balance
Term
pontine and medullary reticulospinal tracts
Definition
maintain posture against gravity by activation axial mm and proximal extensors and inhibiting flexors (automatic posture and gait related movements)
Term
tectum (superior colliculus) and tectospinal tract
Definition
coordinate head movements in response to visual, auditory or somatosensory stimuli
Term
lateral corticospinal tract
Definition
controls skilled movements of contralateral distal limbs
Term
anterior/medial corticospinal tract
Definition
target neurons project bilaterally to control axial and proximal mm
Term
corticobulbar tract
Definition
supplies cranial motor neurons to head (has lateral and medial components)
Term
motor plan
Definition
a plan developed by the supplementary motor and premotor areas of the cortex that determines which mm must be contracted, as well as strength and the sequencing of the contractions

executed over the primary motor cortex as well as the supplementary and premotor areas
Term
sensory feedback
Definition
needed to monitor and make needed corrections to the motor plan

comes to the primary motor cortex over the thalamus and sensory areas of the cortex
Term
stimulation of the primary motor cortex vs. the premotor/supplementary motor cortex
Definition
primary - produces discrete movements
supplementary - complex movements
Term
cortical plasticity
Definition
allows for some recovery of function after damage to the motor cortex (repeated long-term practice is essential)
Term
role of cerebellum
Definition
learning, planning, rehersal and execution of rapid, coordinated, complex movements
control of posture and balance
Term
spinocerebellum
Definition
spinocerebellar tracts provide info from mm and joint proprioceptors and other somatosensory info as well as info from spinal interneurons about descending motor commands to these neurons. Info provides cerebellum with different aspects of the state of the organism
Term
vestibulocerebellar
Definition
inputs arise from the vestibular system and outputs project to lateral and medial vestibulospinal tracts over the vestibular nuclei
controls posture and balance
Term
cerebrocerebellum
Definition
cortical inputs occur over the pontine nuclei; outputs are conveyed over the dentate nuclei.
Regulates of cortical motor programs, plans movements and learning new movements
Term
purkinje cells
Definition
provide an inhibitory input to the output nuclei of the cerebellum , the deep cerebellar nuclei and vestibular nuclei
Term
climbing and mossy fiber systems
Definition
supply the input to the cerebellum
provide info relevant to movement that comes from both sensory and motor systems
main excitatory cerebellar circuit which produces firing of the neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei
Term
basal ganglia
Definition
consist of 4 nuclei (striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus) that have a major role in normal voluntary movement and they influence cognition, mood and behavior
Term
striatum
Definition
receives widespread inputs from the cortex related to plans for intended movements (putamen = movements of body, caudate = eye movements)
Term
direct pathway of basal ganglia
Definition
goes through the basal ganglia to the motor areas of the cortex in order to facilitate movement
runs from cortex to striatum to globus pallidus to thalamus to cortex
Term
indirect pathway of basal ganglia
Definition
reduces activity in the thalamo-cortical pathway to the motor areas of the cortex and hence inhibit movement
runs from cortex to striatum to the external segment of the globus pallidus to the subthalamic nucleus to the internal segment of the globus pallidus to the thalamus to cortex
Term
dopamine
Definition
a modulatory transmitter that is required for the normal functioning of the basal ganglia circuitry
Term
upper motor neuron lesion
Definition
if it occurs before the corticospinal tracts cross = mm paralysis on the contralateral side
if it occurs after the fibers cross = mm paralysis on the ipsilateral side
Term
lower motor neuron lesion
Definition
ipsilateral hypoactive reflexes
paralysis limited to specific groups of mm innervated by the affected motor neurons
Term
lesions to the cerebellum
Definition
symptoms occur ipsilateral to the lesion
ataxia (loss of motor coordination)
Term
parkinson's disease
Definition
loss of dopamine containing neurons in the substantia nigra with loss of dopamine projections to putamen and caudate

bradykinesia (slow movements)
tremors
slow speech
Term
huntingdon's chorea
Definition
inherited neruological disorder involving depression and dementia and progressive loss of motor control
loss of GABAergic neurons in the striatum that project to the globus pallidus
Term
epilepsy
Definition
abnormal synchronous discharges of neurons due to abnormally increased excitability
Term
partial seizures
Definition
originate with the activation of a small group of neurons
begin with auras and are followed by postictal periods
Term
generalized seizures
Definition
start without any warning signs and involve both hemispheres
classified into convulsive (tonic/clonic movements) or nonconvulsive (abrupt onset) types
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