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…
ANESTHESIA
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…
Chapter 51 – Resting Membrane Potential
Abstract The cell membrane provides a selectively permeant electrical barrier between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. The membrane potential of a cell is the electrical voltage of its interior relative…
Chapter 49 – Intracranial Pressure and Head Injury
Abstract The intracranial pressure (ICP) is simply the hydrostatic pressure within the skull, reflecting the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain parenchyma. At rest in a normal supine…
Chapter 48 – Cerebral Blood Flow
Abstract In the adult, cerebral blood flow (CBF) is typically 15% of the resting cardiac output (approximately 750 mL/min). CBF is commonly expressed in terms of the weight of brain…
Chapter 44 – Neuronal Structure and Function
Abstract The nervous system is a complex network of specialised cells called neurons, which coordinate and control the other organ systems. Chapter 44 Neuronal Structure and Function What are the…
Chapter 47 – Blood–Brain Barrier
Abstract The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a physiological, cellular and metabolic barrier at the level of the cerebral capillaries. Their permeability properties restrict the free movement of substances between the…
Chapter 45 – The Brain
Abstract The brain performs complex sensory, motor and higher functions, coordinating the activity of other body systems. It has a high metabolic activity, receiving 15% of the resting cardiac output,…
