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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Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System
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 Autonomic 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 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Chapter 13, Problem L3.2
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?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the anatomy of the brachial plexus: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves originating from the spinal cord (C5-T1) that provides motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb, including the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand.
Identify the functions of the brachial plexus: The brachial plexus is responsible for controlling muscle movements (motor function) and transmitting sensory information (touch, pain, temperature) from the upper limb to the brain.
Analyze the effects of damage to the entire brachial plexus: Damage to the entire brachial plexus would result in both motor and sensory deficits in the affected limb. This includes paralysis or weakness of the muscles in the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand, as well as loss of sensation in these areas.
Consider specific motor impairments: Jason would likely experience an inability to move the shoulder (e.g., deltoid muscle paralysis), elbow (e.g., biceps and triceps paralysis), wrist, and fingers due to the loss of motor input from the brachial plexus.
Consider specific sensory impairments: Jason would also experience numbness or loss of sensation in the skin of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand, as the sensory nerves from the brachial plexus are no longer functional.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Brachial Plexus Anatomy
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord in the neck and extends into the arm. It is responsible for motor and sensory innervation of the upper limb. Damage to this plexus can lead to significant loss of function and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
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Neurological Deficits
Neurological deficits refer to impairments in the nervous system's ability to function properly. In the context of a brachial plexus injury, this can manifest as weakness or paralysis of the arm muscles, loss of sensation, and impaired reflexes. The specific deficits depend on which nerves are affected, leading to conditions such as Erb's palsy or Klumpke's palsy.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Rehabilitation is a critical process following a brachial plexus injury, focusing on restoring function and mobility. This may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles, occupational therapy to improve daily living skills, and sometimes surgical interventions to repair nerve damage. The extent of recovery can vary widely based on the severity of the injury and the timeliness of treatment.
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Match each type of neuroglial cell with its correct function.
____ Schwann cells
____ Ependymal cells
____ Microglial cells
____ Oligodendrocytes
____ Satellite cells
____ Astrocytes
a. Phagocytic cells of the CNS
b. Surround the cell bodies of neurons in the PNS
c. Create the myelin sheath in the PNS
d. Anchor neurons and blood vessels, maintain extracellular environment around neurons, assist in repair of damaged brain tissue
e. Create the myelin sheath in the CNS
f. Ciliated cells in the CNS that produce and circulate the fluid around the brain and spinal cord
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Textbook Question
Maria is a 3-year-old who has been diagnosed with CIPA, or congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. This disease results from a genetic mutation that causes essentially all general sensory neurons to not function properly. What types of sensations will Maria be unable to detect (be specific)? Predict what problems she might face from her condition.
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Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
a. Peripheral nerve
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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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Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
b. Nerve plexus
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