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Related Concept Videos

Somatic Spinal Reflexes01:22

Somatic Spinal Reflexes

Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
Spinal Cord01:26

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
Spinal Cord: Information Processing01:10

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Reflex Activity01:08

Reflex Activity

A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...

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Blood pressure variability in daily life: comparing individuals with cervical and upper-thoracic spinal cord injury to non-injured controls.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice
09:56

Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice

Published on: February 14, 2021

Baroreflex function after spinal cord injury.

Aaron A Phillips1, Andrei V Krassioukov, Philip N Ainslie

  • 1Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada. aaphill@interchange.ubc.ca

Journal of Neurotrauma
|August 18, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs baroreflex sensitivity, affecting blood pressure regulation and increasing cardiovascular risks. Research reviews baroreflex function after SCI, highlighting reduced cardiovagal function in high-level injuries and the need to study sympathetic responses.

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In Vivo Telemetry to Record Long-Term Cardiovascular Parameters, Temperature, and Activity in Spinal Cord Injury Rat Models
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Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice
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In Vivo Telemetry to Record Long-Term Cardiovascular Parameters, Temperature, and Activity in Spinal Cord Injury Rat Models
09:22

In Vivo Telemetry to Record Long-Term Cardiovascular Parameters, Temperature, and Activity in Spinal Cord Injury Rat Models

Published on: January 2, 2026

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal cord injury (SCI) is linked to significant cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunction.
  • Cardiovascular disease is a primary cause of illness and death in SCI patients.
  • Patients with SCI often experience orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysreflexia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms of baroreflex function.
  • To describe methods for measuring baroreflex sensitivity.
  • To summarize literature on baroreflex function post-SCI and propose future research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of baroreflex mechanisms, measurement techniques, and studies in SCI.
  • Analysis of existing research on cardiovagal baroreflex function.
  • Review of studies examining sympathetic responses to orthostatic challenges in SCI.

Main Results:

  • Cardiovagal baroreflex function is significantly reduced in high-level SCI (above T6).
  • This reduction may be partially lessened in low-level SCI.
  • No studies directly assessed the sympathetic arm of the baroreflex in SCI, though nine examined sympathetic responses to orthostatic challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Baroreflex dysfunction is a key issue after SCI, impacting cardiovascular health.
  • Future research should investigate if arterial stiffening or neural factors cause baroreflex sensitivity impairment.
  • Direct evaluation of the sympathetic baroreflex arm in SCI is needed.