BIOL 1050H Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Lou Gehrig, Autonomic Dysreflexia, Reflex Arc
6 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Conduction: bundles of nerve fibers that conduct information allowing sensory information to reach the brain and motor commands to reach the effectors. Neural integration: spinal neurons receive input from multiple sources, integrate the information and execute an appropriate output. Locomotion: motor neurons initiate walking and determines its speed, distance and direction but simple repetitive muscle contractions (moving limbs) are coordinated by groups of neurons called central pattern generators in the cord. The neural circuits produce the sequence of outputs to the extensor and flexor muscles. Reflexes: spinal reflexes play vital roles in posture, motor coordination and protective responses to pain or injury. Spinal cord: cylinder of nervous tissue that arises from the brainstem at the foramen magnum of the skull. Vertebral column grows faster than the spinal cord. Extends to l3 by birth and to l1 in adults. Only occupies upper two thirds of vertebral canal. Gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
