Term
| What is the role of the nervous system? |
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Definition
- Major controlling, regulatory, & communicating system
- Center of all mental activity
- Works with the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis. |
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Term
| What are the functions of the nervous system? |
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Definition
* Sensory receptors detect stimuli & the gathered information is called SENSORY INPUT, which is converted into nerve impulses & transmitted to the brain.
* INTEGRATION: decisions are made in the brain based on the sensory input
* MOTOR FUNCTION: sends directions to the muscles and glands. |
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Term
| What are the 2 subdivisions of the nervous system and what parts do they include? |
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Definition
| The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system is made of all the long nerves of the body (cranial & spinal). |
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Term
| What is the central nervous system surrounded by? |
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Definition
| Meninges (connective tissue layers) and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). |
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Term
| What are the 3 layers of the central nervous system meninges? |
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Definition
1. Dura Mater: tough outer layer
2. Arachnoid Mater: middle layer with cobweb appearance.
*Subarachnoid space is between the arachnoid and pia mater and is filled with CSF & blood vessels.
3. Pia Mater: thin & delicate innermost layer that is tightly bound to the surface of the brain and spinal cord. |
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Term
| What are the 4 divisions of the brain? |
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Definition
| 1. Cerebrum 2. Diencephalon 3. Brain Stem 4. Cerebellum |
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Term
| Describe the set-up of the cerebrum |
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Definition
| The cerebrum is the largest portion of the brain. It is divided into 2 cerebral hemispheres by a deep longitudinal fissure. These hemispheres are connected by the corpus callosum, which provides communication between the 2 halves. The surface has convolutions called gyri that are seperated by grooves known as sulci. |
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Term
| Each hemisphere of the cerebrum is divided into 5 lobes. What are they? |
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Definition
1. Frontal Lobe
2. Parietal Lobe
3. Occipital Lobe
4. Temporal Lobe
5. Insula |
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Term
| Central sulcus & Lateral sulcus (Cerebrum of brain) |
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Definition
The central sulcus is the posterior boundary of the frontal lobe of each cerebrum.
Lateral sulcus (fissure) seperates the temporal from the frontal and parietal and the insula lies deep within it. |
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Term
| What is the difference between the grey and white matter in the cerebrum and where can each be found? |
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Definition
| The cerebrum consists of both grey matter (neuron cell bodies & unmyelinated nerve fibers) and white matter (myelinated nerve fibers). The outermost portion is a thin layer of gray matter called the cerebral cortex. White matter makes up most of the cerebrum (beneath the cerebral cortex). Additional areas of grey matter scattered throughout the white matter are called basal ganglia. |
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Term
| What is the Cerebral Cortex? |
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Definition
| The CEREBRAL CORTEX is a thin layer of grey matter that makes up the outermost portion of the cerebrum. |
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Term
| What is basal ganglia and what is its function? |
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Definition
| BASAL GANGLIA is additional areas of grey matter scatter throughout the white matter of the cerebrum. It functions as relay stations to and from the cerebra cortex. The major effect is to decrease muscle tone & inhibit muscular activity. Also play an important role in posture & coordinating motor movements. Nearly all of thebody's DOPAMINE is PRODUCED HERE. |
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Term
| What are the functions of the cerebral cortex? |
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Definition
| The cerebral cortex is what makes us "human". It is the center for sensory & motor functions. It is concerned with memory, language, reasoning, intelligence, emotion, senses & personality. |
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Term
| Where are the sensory areas of the cerebrum and what is their function? |
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Definition
The SENSORY AREAS are located in the PARIETAL, OCCIPITAL, & TEMPORAL lobes.
They recieve information from sense organs & receptors. |
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Term
| What is the primary sersory area of the cerebrum and what are its functions? |
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Definition
The primary sensory area is the SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe.
The right side of this cortex receives input from the left side of the body and vice versa.
It functions in sensations of temperature, touch, pressure, & pain. |
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Term
| Which lobes of the brain contain the sensory areas for each of the senses? |
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Definition
Occipital Lobe: Vision
Temporal Lobe: Hearing & Smell
Parietal Lobe: Sensations (temperature, touch, pressure, pain)
Where temporal lobe overlaps parietal lobe: Taste |
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Term
| What are the motor areas of the cerebrum? What is their function? What is the primary motor area called? |
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Definition
MOTOR AREAS are responsible for muscle contraction & are located in the FRONTAL LOBE.
The primary motor area is the SOMATOMOTOR CORTEX located in the precentral gyrus (anterior to the central sulcus). The right primary motor gyrus controls muscles on the left side of the body and vice versa. It is responsible for controlling movement in a specific part of the body |
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Term
| What is Parkinson's disease? |
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Definition
| Parkinson's disease occurs when the basal ganglia of the cerebrum is not producing enough dopamine. It results in an excess of excitatory signals that affect voluntary muscles, producing tremors & rigidity. |
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Term
| Where is the diencephalon and what are its 3 segments? |
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Definition
The diencephalon is centrally located and surrounded by cerebral hemispheres.
Its 3 segments are the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. |
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Term
| What is the thalamus and what is its function? |
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Definition
| The thalamus are 2 oval masses of gray matter that make up 80% of the diencephalon. It serves as a relay station for sensory impulses by channeling impulses to the appropriate region of the cerebral cortex for interpretation. |
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Term
| What is the hypothalamus and what are its functions? |
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Definition
The hypothalamus is the small area below the thalamus. It is the link between the nervous and endocrine systems and helps maintain homeostasis.
Also regulates secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland.
Controls heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, motility of GI tract, food intake (hunger), thirst, sleep-wake cycles, emotional responses, & behavior. |
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Term
| What is the epithalamus and what is its function? |
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Definition
| The epithalamus is the most superior portion of the diencephalon. The pineal gland extends from its posterior margin. It is involved in onset of puberty and the biological clock. |
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Term
| What are the 3 regions of the brain stem? |
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Definition
1. MIDBRAIN - most superior portion
**CEREBRAL AQUEDUCT descends through the center of the midbrain and contains CSF**
2. PONS - bulging middle portion
3. MEDULLA OBLONGATA - continuous with spinal cord; has 3 vital centers. |
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Term
| What are the 3 vital centers of the medulla oblongata of the brain stem? what are their functions? |
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Definition
The medulla oblongata is continuous with the spinal cord and has 3 vital centers:
1. Cardiac center: adjusts heart rate
2. Vasomotor center: regulates blood pressure by effecting changes in blood vessel diameter.
3. Respiratory center: helps regulate breathing rate, rhythm, & depth. |
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Term
| Where is the cerebellum and what is it made of? |
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Definition
| The cerebellum is the 2nd largest part of the brain and is located below the occipital lobes of the cerebrum. It is made up of 2 cerebral hemispheres connected by a vermis. Consists of white matter surrounded by a thin layer of gray matter called the cerebellar cortex. |
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Term
| What is the cerebellar cortex? |
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Definition
| The CEREBELLAR CORTEX is a thin layer of gray matter that surrounds the white matter of the cerebellum. |
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Term
| What is arbor vitae and what is its function? |
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Definition
| The ARBOR VITAE is the branching arrangement of the white matter of the cerebellum. It is responsible for coordination, posture, and balance. |
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Term
| What functions is the parietal lobe responsible for? |
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Definition
| The parietal lobe interprets our sense of touch, identifies size, shapes and colors, & provides spatial perception. |
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Term
| What functions is the frontal lobe responsible for? |
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Definition
| The frontal lobe is responsible for our personality, emotions, problem solving, and speaking. |
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Term
| What functions is the temporal lobe responsible for? |
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Definition
| The temporal lobe assists in sequencing and memory. |
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Term
| What functions is the cerebellum responsible for? |
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Definition
| Balance, coordination, and skilled motor activity. |
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Term
| What functions is the brain stem responsible for? |
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Definition
| Breathing, heart rate, and vasomotor control. |
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Term
| What functions is the diencephalon responsible for? |
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Definition
| Body temperature, appetite, and sleep cycle control. |
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Term
TRUE or FALSE
There is more white matter than gray matter in the cerebral cortex. |
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Definition
| FALSE - The cerebral cortex is entirely gray matter. |
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Term
| The band of white fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres is the.... |
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Definition
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Term
| The precentral gyrus is an important motor area located within the... |
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Definition
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Term
| The most superior portion of the brainstem is the..... |
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Definition
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Term
| Where are each of the ventricles of the brain and what are they? |
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Definition
Ventricles of the brain are csvities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
2 LATERAL VENTRICLES are the largest, located in each cerebral hemisphere. They are connected to the 3rd via the INTERVENTRICULAR FORAMINA.
The 3RD VENTRICLE is enclosed by the diencephalon in the midline.
The 4TH VENTRICLE is at the level of the cerebellum & pons.
the 3rd and 4th ventricles are connected via the CEREBRAL AQUEDUCT. |
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Term
| What is Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), where is it formed and located, and what are its functions? |
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Definition
CSF is clear fluid that helps nourish the brain and maintain constant ionic conditions within the brain and spinal cord. It also provides a path for removal of waste products.
CSF is formed as a filtrate from the blood in special capillary networks called the CHOROID PLEXUS. It is located within the ventricles of the brain, the subarachnoid space of the meninges (brain & spinal cord) and also in the central canal of the spinal cord. |
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Term
| Cerebrospinal fluid flows from the third ventricle into the fourth ventricle through the.... |
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Definition
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Term
| A defect in the choroid plexus would interfere with an individual's ability to... |
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Definition
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Term
| Where is the spinal cord located and what is it surrounded by? |
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Definition
The spinal cord Extends from the medulla oblongata to the conus medullaris at the level of L1-L2. It is
surrounded by bone, meninges, and CSF like the brain, although its dura mater is separated from bone by an epidural space. |
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Term
| How many segments is the spinal cord divided into? How many nerves are associated with the spinal cord and where are they located? |
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Definition
The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments, each giving rise to a pair of spinal nerves:
* 8 cervical nerves
* 12 thoracic nerves
* 5 lumbar nerves
* 5 sacral nerves
* 1 coccygeal nerve
Many spinal nerves extend beyond the conus meduallaris and form a collection that looks like a horses tail called the cauda equina. |
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Term
| What is the CAUDA EQUINA? |
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Definition
| The CAUDA EQUINA is a collection of spinal nerves, located beyond the conus meduallaris, that resembles a horses tail. |
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Term
| Describe the location of white and gray matter in the spinal cord. |
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Definition
The white matter of the spinal cord surrounds gray matter in the center that resembles a butterfly.
The two large areas of gray matter connect in the middle at the GRAY COMMISSURE, which surrounds the central canal containing CSF. |
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Term
| How is the spinal cord divided into halves? |
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Definition
| The spinal cord is partially divided into right and left halves by a DORSAL(posterior) MEDIAN SULCUS & a VENTRAL (anterior) MEDIAN FISSURE. |
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Term
| What are the 2 main functions of the Spinal Cord? |
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Definition
1. Conduction pathway for impulses to and from the brain.
*ASCENDING TRACTS: conduction pathways that carry sensory impulses from body parts to the brain.
*DESCENDING TRACTS: Pathways that carry motor impulses from the brain to muscles & glands.
2. Reflex center |
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Term
| What is the difference between ASCENDING & DESCENDING TRACTS? |
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Definition
ASCENDING TRACTS are conduction pathways that carry sensory impulses FROM BODY PARTS TO THE BRAIN.
DESCENDING TRACTS are pathways that carry motor impulses FROM THE BRAIN TO MUSCLES AND GLANDS. |
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Term
| What are the 2 divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)? |
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Definition
1. AFFERENT (Sensory) DIVISION: transmits impulses FROM PERIPHERAL ORGANS TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
2. EFFERENT(Motor) DIVISION: transmits impulses FROM THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TO THE PERIPHERAL ORGANS to cause an effect. |
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Term
| What makes up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and what is its function? |
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Definition
| The PNS consists of nerves (cranial and spinal) and forms the communication network between the CNS & the rest of the body. |
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Term
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Definition
| Ganglia are collections of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS. |
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Term
| How is the Efferent (Motor) Division of the PNS subdivided? |
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Definition
The Efferent (Motor) Division of the PNS is subdivided into:
1. Somatic Nervous System: made of nerves that go to skin and muscles and involved in conscious (voluntary) activity.
2. Autonomic Nervous System: consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the visceral organs such as the heart, stomach, & intestines. It is involved in unconscious (involuntary) activity. |
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Term
| The Autonomic Nervous System of the PNS is further divided into 2 parts. What are they and what is the function of each? |
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Definition
1. Sympathetic Division – prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations and is the “fight or flight” system. This division increases breathing rate, heart rate, & blood flow to muscles. It also decreases digestive tract activity during an emergency.
2. Parasympathetic Division – most active under ordinary, relaxed conditions. Functions include bringing the body systems back to a normal rate after an emergency; decreasing breathing rate, heart rate, & blood flow to skeletal muscles, and increases digestive tract activity. |
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Term
| What are the 2 main types of cells in nerve tissue? what are their functions? |
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Definition
NEURONS: Actual nerve cells that transmit impulses. They are the structural units of the nervous system.
NEUROGLIA is the “nerve glue” and is made of connective tissue that provides support for the nervous system but do not transmit impulses. |
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Term
| What are the 3 basic parts of a neuron? |
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Definition
CELL BODY (SOMA) - main part
DENDRITES (1 or more) - cytoplasmic extensions (fibers) of the cell body; usually short and branching; called AFFERENT processes because they transmit impulses to the cell body.
AXON (1) - cytoplasmic extension (fiber) of the cell body; called EFFERENT process because it carries impulses away from the cell body |
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