Textbook Question
Merkel cell fibers, tactile corpuscles, Ruffini endings, and lamellated corpuscles are all types of:
a. Nociceptors
b. Mechanoreceptors
c. Photoreceptors
d. Chemoreceptors
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Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System
Erin C. Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life38
- Ch. 3 The Cell55
- Ch. 4 Histology47
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System36
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System42
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomous Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart30
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity45
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Nutrition and Metabolism7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Erin C. Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 13, Problem L2.3
Explain why you lose both motor and sensory function of a part of your body when a spinal nerve is numbed with anesthetic agents.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a spinal nerve: A spinal nerve is a mixed nerve that contains both motor and sensory fibers. Motor fibers carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles, while sensory fibers carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
Recognize the role of anesthetic agents: Anesthetic agents block the transmission of nerve impulses by interfering with the function of ion channels in the nerve cell membranes. This prevents the nerve from sending signals effectively.
Identify the impact on motor function: When the motor fibers within the spinal nerve are numbed, the signals from the central nervous system to the muscles are interrupted. This results in a loss of motor function, meaning the affected muscles cannot contract or move properly.
Identify the impact on sensory function: When the sensory fibers within the spinal nerve are numbed, the signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system are blocked. This results in a loss of sensory function, meaning the affected area cannot perceive sensations such as touch, pain, or temperature.
Conclude the combined effect: Since a spinal nerve contains both motor and sensory fibers, numbing it with anesthetic agents leads to a simultaneous loss of motor and sensory function in the area of the body served by that nerve.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Spinal Nerves
Spinal nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system and emerge from the spinal cord. Each spinal nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the muscles. They are composed of both sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) fibers, which means that any disruption in their function can affect both sensation and movement in the corresponding body area.
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Anesthetic Agents
Anesthetic agents are substances used to induce a loss of sensation or consciousness during medical procedures. When applied to a spinal nerve, these agents block the transmission of nerve impulses by inhibiting the function of sodium channels in the nerve fibers. This blockage prevents both sensory signals from reaching the brain and motor signals from being sent to the muscles, resulting in a loss of both motor and sensory function in the affected area.
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Nerve Blockade
Nerve blockade refers to the technique of interrupting the transmission of nerve impulses along a specific nerve or group of nerves. This is commonly achieved through the injection of anesthetic agents near the nerve. By blocking the nerve's ability to transmit signals, both sensory perception and motor control are temporarily lost in the area supplied by that nerve, which is why patients may experience numbness and paralysis in the targeted region.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Devise a series of physical examination tests that assess the function of each of the cranial nerves.
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Textbook Question
Predict what might happen if nociceptors were rapidly adapting instead of slowly adapting receptors. Would this change be beneficial or potentially harmful?
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Textbook Question
Complaining of muscle weakness, Delia goes to the doctor. Devise a series of physical examination tests that would help to determine if her problem involves upper or lower motor neurons.
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Textbook Question
Jason presents for evaluation after a severe shoulder injury during which his entire brachial plexus suffered damage. What effects would you expect Jason to have from this injury?
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Textbook Question
When Mr. Williams goes to the emergency department with pain in the area along the midline of the diaphragm, he worries he is having a heart attack. Could the pain be related to his heart? Could it be related to any other organ(s)? Explain.
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