nervous system 10

• The reflex arc mechanism involves the interaction of a receptor, a sensory neuron, a motor neuron, and an interneuron.
• The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of sensory receptors, nerves & associated ganglia, motor endings, and developmental aspects.
• The cerebrum is divided into the right and left hemispheres, each with specific functions.
• Hemispheric lateralization is a concept in neuroscience that describes the division of functions between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
• The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve or CN X, interfaces with the parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
• Dermatomes are areas of skin that are mainly supplied by afferent nerve fibers from a single dorsal root of spinal nerve which forms a part of a spinal nerve.
• There are 8 cervical nerves (C1 being an exception with no dermatome), 12 thoracic nerves, 5 lumbar nerves and 5 sacral nerves.
• Somatic reflexes are automatic responses coordinated within the spinal cord through interconnected sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.
• Neural reflexes are rapid, automatic responses to specific stimuli that are the basic building blocks of neural function.
• Monosynaptic reflexes, such as a stretch reflex, have the least delay between sensory input and motor output.
• Withdrawal reflexes move the body part away from a stimulus, for example, a flexor reflex that pulls the hand away from a hot stove.
• Reflex behaviors are automatic but processing centers in the brain can facilitate or inhibit reflex motor patterns based in the spinal cord.
• The posterior column pathway is a major spinal cord tract.
• The corticospinal pathway is a major spinal cord tract.
• The cerebellum, located at the back of the skull, controls balance and coordination.
• The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of gray matter that covers most of the brain's hemispheres.
• The medulla oblongata, located near the base of the brainstem, regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
• The medulla oblongata, located near the base of the brainstem, regulates vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.