Spinal Cord and Reflexes: Comprehensive
This concepts of spinal cord anatomy, reflex arcs, neural plexuses, and sensory/motor pathways. It’s ideal for quick review and exam prep in neuroanatomy and physiology.
Fill in the blanks with the terms provided. Not all terms will be used.
A (monosynaptic reflex) is the simplest of all reflexes. The (sensory) axons synapse directly on the (motor) neurons, whose axons project to the (effector). Very minor synaptic delay is incurred in the single synapse of this reflex arc, resulting in a (very prompt) reflex response. A (polysynaptic reflex) has more complex neural pathways that exhibit a number of synapses involving (interneurons) within the reflex arc. Because this reflex arc has more components, a more (prolonged) delay occurs between stimulus and response.
Key Terms
Fill in the blanks with the terms provided. Not all terms will be used.
A (monosynaptic reflex) is the simplest of all reflexes. The (sensory) axons synapse directly on the (motor) neurons, whose axons project to the (e...
Classify the given items with the appropriate group.
cervical
- nerves innervate muscles of the neck
-c1 - c8
-has neurons that innervate the upper limbs
thoraci...
Drag each label into the appropriate category to designate whether the given item describes elements of gray or white matter of the spinal cord.
gray matter
- lateral horn
-anterior horn
-marked by low myelination
white matter
-fasciculus gracilis
Drag each label into the appropriate category to designate which plexus the given nerve merges into or diverges out from.
c1 -c5 cervical
-hypoglossal nerve
-phrenic nerve
c5-t1 brachial
-axillary nerve
-musculocutaneous nerve<...
Label the structures of the spinal cord.
left
-cervical enlargement
-brachial plexus
-L1 vertebra
right
-conus medullaris
-cauda equina
-fil...
Label the white and gray matter components in the figure.
left
-posterior horn
-lateral horn
-anterior horn
middle
-central canal
right
-posterior funiculus
-lateral funicul...
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Fill in the blanks with the terms provided. Not all terms will be used. | A (monosynaptic reflex) is the simplest of all reflexes. The (sensory) axons synapse directly on the (motor) neurons, whose axons project to the (effector). Very minor synaptic delay is incurred in the single synapse of this reflex arc, resulting in a (very prompt) reflex response. A (polysynaptic reflex) has more complex neural pathways that exhibit a number of synapses involving (interneurons) within the reflex arc. Because this reflex arc has more components, a more (prolonged) delay occurs between stimulus and response. |
Classify the given items with the appropriate group. | cervical |
Drag each label into the appropriate category to designate whether the given item describes elements of gray or white matter of the spinal cord. | gray matter |
Drag each label into the appropriate category to designate which plexus the given nerve merges into or diverges out from. | c1 -c5 cervical |
Label the structures of the spinal cord. | left |
Label the white and gray matter components in the figure. | left |
Match the type of reflex with its description. | 1. The simplest reflex; muscles contract in response to a stretch (stretch reflex) |
Fill in the blanks with the terms provided. Not all terms will be used. | One important branch of the cervical plexus is the (phrenic) nerve, which is formed primarily from the (C4) nerve and some contributing axons from (C3 and C5). This nerve travels through the (thoracic) cavity to innervate (the diaphragm) and is important for breathing. |
Severing the posterior ramus of a spinal nerve may result in | being unable to move the lower limb |
Check all that are components of a monosynaptic reflex arc. | interneurons |
Which of the following are ways in which white matter in the spinal cord conveys sensory and/or motor information between the body and the brain? Check all that apply. | -Ascending tracts conduct sensory impulses from the spinal cord to the brain. |
What structures develop from the basal plates during embryonic development? Check all that are correct. | -anterior and lateral horns of gray matter |
Put the events involved with a reflex arc into the correct order. | 1. sensory receptors respond to external and internal stimuli |
The ____________ nerve arises from the cervical plexus and innervates the diaphragm. | phrenic |
The lumbar and sacral plexuses are sometimes collectively called the ___________ plexus. | lumbosacral |
There are 31 pairs of mixed nerves that emerge from the spinal cord. | -true |
Damage to the ventral root of a spinal nerve would mean that the sensory input of the reflex arc would be interrupted. | true |
All reflexes share the property of being an involuntary response | -true |
Label the ascending tracts of the spinal cord. | left |
Label the nerves of the brachial plexus. | -lateral pectoral n |
Label the nerves of the brachial plexus. | -lateral pectoral n |