Problem
A. Describe the basic structure and functions of the spinal cord. Describe the location and role of the 3 meanings. What is the epidural space? Why might someone receive an epidural?
B. What is a nerve? Describe the connective tissue wrappings of a nerve, including the endoneurium, perineurium and epineurium. Take note of the similarities of this organization, which is similar to skeletal muscle.
C. When looking at the spinal cord in cross section, you will notice a dark, gray matter section that resembles the letter "H". Be able to identify the dorsal and ventral horns and roots (and the dorsal root ganglion); describe the type of signal (afferent or efferent) that would be carried within these. Are they entering or leaving the spinal cord? Where are they coming from or going to?
D. What types of stimuli can trigger an action potential within the nervous system? Explain the mechanisms responsible for your general senses such as touch, warm, cold, hot, pain, tickle, itch and proprioception.
E. What is a graded potential?
F. How does the brain (or spinal cord) know what type of signal it is receiving? Do sensory neurons detect more than one stimulus? How does the brain (or spinal cord) know where the stimulus is coming from?