Chapter 62 – Saliva, Oesophagus and Swallowing
Abstract A volume of 500–1000 mL of saliva is secreted by the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands per day in response to the thought, smell, taste and presence of food…
ANESTHESIA
Chapter 60 – Pain Physiology
Abstract Pain is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain as ‘an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in…
Chapter 61 – The Eye and Intraocular Pressure
Abstract The globe is an approximately spherical structure made up of three layers (Figure 61.1). Chapter 61 The Eye and Intraocular Pressure Describe the anatomy of the globe of the…
Chapter 59 – Autonomic Nervous System
Abstract The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the portion of the nervous system that innervates smooth muscle and glands, thus influencing the function of internal organs that regulate heart rate…
Chapter 54 – Skeletal Muscle
Abstract Locomotion: contraction of muscle reduces the distance between its sites of origin and insertion, thereby producing movement. Chapter 54 Skeletal Muscle What are the functions of skeletal muscle? Locomotion:…
Chapter 55 – Muscle Spindles and Golgi Tendon Organs
Abstract Proprioception refers to the detection of stimuli relating to body position in space and postural equilibrium. Mechanoreceptors within muscle, joints and tendons relay sensory information about joint position, movement,…
Chapter 56 – Smooth Muscle
Abstract Smooth muscle is a type of involuntary muscle, innervated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In contrast to skeletal and cardiac muscle, smooth muscle is non-striated. Smooth muscle is…
Chapter 53 – Synapses and the Neuromuscular Junction
Abstract Chemical synapse, in which the signal is relayed by means of a chemical messenger called a neurotransmitter. Arrival of an action potential triggers neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft,…
Chapter 52 – Nerve Action Potential and Propagation
Abstract An action potential is a transient reversal of the membrane potential that occurs in excitable cells, including neurons, muscle cells and some endocrine cells. The action potential is an…
Chapter 50 – The Spinal Cord
Abstract The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system (CNS), located within the spinal canal of the vertebral column. The spinal cord begins at the foramen magnum, where…
