The Exteroceptive Sensations Exteroceptive sensations originate in peripheral receptors in response to external stimuli and changes in the environment. There are four main types of general somatic sensation: pain, thermal…
Overview of the Sensory Examination The sensory system places the individual in relationship to the environment. Every sensation depends on impulses that arise by stimulation of receptors, or end-organs. These…
Abnormalities of Movement Movement disorders may involve any portion of the body. They usually result from disease involving various parts of the motor system, and the etiologies are many. The…
Muscle Volume and Contour Asearch for evidence of muscle atrophy or hypertrophy is an important part of the motor examination. There is normally an appreciable individual variation in muscular development,…
Muscle Tone Muscle tone has been defined as the tension in the relaxed muscle, or the resistance to passive movement when voluntary contraction is absent. Because of resting tone, normal…
Overview of the Motor Examination Examination of motor functions includes the determination of muscle power, evaluation of muscle tone and bulk, and observation for abnormal movements. Examination of coordination and…
The Hypoglossal Nerve The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is a purely motor nerve, supplying the tongue. Its cells of origin are in the hypoglossal nuclei. The paired nuclei extend almost…
The Spinal Accessory Nerve The spinal accessory (SA) nerve, cranial nerve XI (CN XI), is actually two nerves that run together in a common bundle for a short distance. The…
The Glossopharyngeal and Vagus Nerves The glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus (CN X) nerves are intimately related and similar in function. Both have motor and autonomic branches with nuclei of…
The Acoustic (Vestibulocochlear) Nerve The vestibulocochlear, acoustic, or eighth cranial nerve (CN VIII) has two components, the vestibular and the cochlear, blended into a single trunk. The cochlear portion subserves…
