The Central Nervous System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of Broca's area in the frontal lobe?

Regulating body temperature

Managing visual recognition

Processing auditory information

Controlling muscles for speech (correct)

Which statement accurately describes the function of the cerebellum?

It acts as a relay center for nerve impulses.

It regulates homeostatic activities like hunger and thirst.

It is solely responsible for sensory processing.

It coordinates muscular movement and maintains body posture. (correct)

What does the hypothalamus primarily regulate?

Visual recognition of objects

Electrical impulses in the brain

Homeostatic activities such as hunger and thirst (correct)

Muscle coordination and tone

Which structure connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord and is involved in autonomous functions?

Brain Stem Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the diencephalon is primarily responsible for relaying nerve impulses?

Thalamus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus?

Processing visual information Signup and view all the answers

What structure is formed by the crossing over of optic nerves?

Optic Chiasma Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is primarily responsible for the reception and interpretation of auditory information?

Temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cerebrospinal fluid?

Regulation of blood pressure in the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Occipital lobe Signup and view all the answers

What structure within the brainstem is crucial for relaying sensory and motor signals between the brain and the body?

Pons Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is primarily associated with higher cognitive functions such as reasoning and problem-solving?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary protective layer that surrounds the brain and spinal cord?

Dura mater Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the midbrain?

Serves as a major cerebral reflex center and directs CSF Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Choroid plexuses in the pia mater Signup and view all the answers

Which embryonic vesicle gives rise to the thalamus and hypothalamus?

Diencephalon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the function of the medulla oblongata?

Regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rhythms Signup and view all the answers

What effect does excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull have on the brain?

Causes hydrocephalus and increased cranial pressure Signup and view all the answers

How many segments is the spinal cord divided into?

31 segments Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the hindbrain is responsible for the production of the fourth ventricle?

Myelencephalon Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of cerebrospinal fluid?

Protecting the CNS and maintaining ionic concentrations Signup and view all the answers

Which structure contains centers that regulate respiratory rhythms?

Pons Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the meninges is closest to the brain and spinal cord?

Pia mater Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ascending tracts in the spinal cord?

Carry sensory impulses to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What does the anterior horn primarily contain?

Motor neuron cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is found within the central canal of the spinal cord?

Cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which tract is responsible for transmitting sensory impulses associated with pain and temperature?

Spinothalamic tract Signup and view all the answers

What kind of information do the fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus tracts carry?

Sensory impulses for touch and pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical plexus region serves the head, face, and neck?

C1 to C4 Signup and view all the answers

What divides the spinal cord into right and left halves?

Anterior median fissure and posterior median sulcus Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the dorsal root ganglion?

In an enlarged area of the dorsal root Signup and view all the answers

What function does the lumbosacral plexus primarily serve?

Lower body and lower limbs Signup and view all the answers

What type of fibers primarily form the dorsal root of the spinal cord?

Afferent fibers carrying sensory impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the function of the pia mater?

Contains capillaries that nourish the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain?

To act as a cushioning agent and allow circulation around the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which brain lobe is primarily responsible for processing auditory information?

Temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum?

Corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the cerebral cortex and cerebral medulla?

The cortex consists of gray matter, while the medulla consists of white matter Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the meninges is the outermost and provides a thick protective barrier?

Dura mater Signup and view all the answers

In which region of the brain is the control of voluntary muscles primarily located?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding neurons in the brain is correct?

Neurons decrease in number as a person ages due to lack of replication Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of the parietal lobe?

Processes sensations and aids in speech Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the CNS is primarily involved in reflex actions and the regulation of basic bodily functions?

Brain stem Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brain Areas and Function

Motor speech area (Broca’s area) is located in the frontal lobe and controls muscles of the mouth, tongue, and larynx.
Frontal eye field is located in the frontal lobe and controls the muscles of the eye and eyelid.
Auditory area is located in the temporal lobe and controls hearing.
Visual area is located in the occipital lobe and controls visual recognition of objects and combines visual images.
Sensory areas are located in the parietal lobe and are involved in cutaneous sensations.
Association areas are located in all lobes of the cerebrum and connect sensory and motor functions.

Cerebellum

Coordinates and controls muscular movement and muscle tone.
Maintains body posture by working with equilibrium receptors in the inner ear.
New data suggests that the Cerebellum acts as the "thesaurus" for speech, finding the right words to use.

Brain Stem

Made of brain tissue at the base of the cerebrum connecting the cerebrum to the spinal cord.
Largely functions for autonomous activities.
Subdivided into the diencephalon, midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Diencephalon

Consists of the Thalamus and Hypothalamus.
Thalamus is a major relay center to direct nerve impulses from various sources to the proper destinations.
Hypothalamus is an important area for regulating homeostatic activities such as hunger, thirst, sex drive, and even addictions.

Hypothalamus regulation

Heart rate and arterial blood pressure
Body temperature
Water and electrolyte balance
Control of hunger and body weight
Control of movements and glandular secretion of the stomach and intestines
Production of neurosecretory substances that stimulate the pituitary gland to release hormones that help regulate growth and influence reproduction
Sleep and wakefulness

Other parts of Diencephalon

Optic tracts and optic chiasma which are formed by optic nerves crossing over.
Infundibulum - site of attachment of the pituitary gland.
Pituitary gland - hangs from the floor of the hypothalamus.
Mammillary bodies - Relay station in the olfactory pathway.
Pineal gland - produces melatonin that controls the sleep-awake cycle.

Other Brain Stem Parts

Midbrain serves as a major cerebral reflex center and helps direct CSF from the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle.
Pons contains at least 2 "respiratory centers" which regulate the duration and depth of breathing.
Medulla oblongata is at the base of the brainstem continuous with the spinal cord. It contains specialized neurons that form "cardiac centers" (to control heart rate), "vasomotor centers" (to control blood flow and blood pressure), and "respiratory centers" (to control respiratory rhythms).

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Its chemical composition is similar to blood plasma since it is derived from blood plasma.
Made by choroid plexuses (clusters of capillaries in pia mater) in cerebral ventricles.
Circulates in the brain (through the ventricles), spinal cord (through the central canal), and between the arachnoid and pia mater layers of meninges around the central nervous system.
Reabsorbed constantly by arachnoid mater and drained into veins.
Designed to protect the CNS by serving as a cushion and a stable solution to maintain ionic concentrations and assist with waste removal.
When too much CSF accumulates in the skull, it can result in hydrocephalus where the excess volume creates dangerously high pressure exerting onto brain tissue.

Brain embryonic development

Forebrain (Prosencephalon)
- Anterior portion (Telencephalon) produces lateral ventricles, cerebrum and basal ganglia.
- Posterior portion (Diencephalon) produces the Third Ventricle, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, posterior pituitary gland, and pineal gland.
Midbrain (Mesencephalon) produces the cerebral aqueduct, and midbrain.
Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon)
- Anterior portion (Metencephalon) produces the fourth ventricle, cerebellum, and pons.
- Posterior portion (Myelencephalon) produces the fourth ventricle, and medulla oblongata.

Spinal Cord

A long nerve cord that begins at the foramen magnum and ends at the first or second lumbar vertebra.
Divided into 31 segments (named after the vertebral regions), each segment gives rise to a pair of spinal nerves (part of the PNS).
The location of the spinal nerve corresponds with the location of the effector organ.

Spinal Cord Nerves

Most spinal nerves form networks called plexuses
Cervical plexus (C1 to C4) serves the head, face, and neck.
Brachial plexus (C5 - T1) serves the shoulder, arm, and hands.
Lumbosacral plexus (T12 to S5) serves the lower body and lower limbs.
Coccygeal nerves do not form any plexus.

Spinal Cord Cross Section Anatomy

Two grooves divide the spinal cord into right and left halves.
- Ant. median fissure or groove (deep)
- Post median sulcus (shallow groove).
The spinal cord consists of gray matter surrounded by white matter.
Gray matter resembles a butterfly. The upper and lower wings of gray matter are called the posterior and anterior horns respectively.
Lat. horn is located between the post. and ant. horns on either side.
Central canal contains CSF.
The gray matter further divides the white matter into 3 regions on each side.
- Anterior column (or Funiculi)
- Lateral column (or Funiculi)
- Posterior column (or Funiculi)

Spinal Cord Nerve Cell Bodies

Ant. horn mostly houses nerve cell bodies of somatic motor neurons. These send their axons out via the ventral root of the spinal cord to skeletal muscles.
Afferent fibers carrying impulses from peripheral sensory receptors form the dorsal root. Their nerve cell bodies are found in an enlarged area called the dorsal root ganglion.

Spinal Cord Tracts

Tracts provide a two-way communication system between the brain and the body.
Ascending tracts conduct sensory impulses to the brain.
Descending tracts conduct motor impulses from the brain to motor neurons reaching muscles, glands, etc.

Ascending Tracts

Fasciculus gracilis & Fasciculus Cuneatus: Located in the posterior funiculi and conduct sensory impulses associated with senses of touch, pressure and body movement.
Spinocerebellar tract: Conduct impulses required for coordination of muscle movements from lower limb and trunk muscles to the cerebellum.
Spinothalamic tract: Conduct sensory impulses for pain and temperature to the brain.

Descending Tracts

Corticospinal tract: Conduct motor impulses associated with voluntary movement from the brain to skeletal muscles.
Reticulospinal tract: Conduct motor impulses associated with the maintenance of muscle tone and the activity of sweat glands from the brain.
Rubrospinal tract: Conduct motor impulses associated with muscular coordination and the maintenance of posture from the brain.

Reflex Arc

A stimulus (i.e.heat, sharp objects) is detected by a receptor.
The receptor sends a nerve impulse to the sensory neuron which relays the impulse through the dorsal root of the spinal cord.
The impulse is relayed to the interneuron in the gray matter of the spinal cord.
The impulse is then relayed to the motor neuron through the ventral root of the spinal cord.
Finally, the impulse causes a quick action at the effector organ (muscle or gland) to react to the stimulus.

Clinical Terms

Neurologist: Doctor who specializes in nervous system disorders.
Concussion: Slight brain injury causing dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Cerebrovascular accident: Commonly known as stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Alzheimer’s disease: Progressive disease causing degeneration of the brain, loss of memory, language, and disorientation.
Epilepsy: Disorder of the CNS caused by temporary disturbances in normal brain function (impulses) and is accompanied by seizures and loss of consciousness.
Parkinson’s disease: Disorder of the brain causing pill-rolling movement of fingers, tremor, head nodding, and lack of facial expression.
Encephalopathy: Any disorder of the brain.
Neuralgia: Sharp recurring pain associated with a nerve, usually caused by inflammation or injury.

Brain Protection: Meninges

The meninges are body membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord for protection and nourishing purposes.
Composed of 3 layers:
- Dura mater ("tough mother"): Outermost layer that attaches the brain to cranial bones, and the spinal cord to vertebrae. Made of fibrous connective tissue that protects the CNS.
- Arachnoid mater ("web-like mother"): Middle layer made up of thin membranes that lack blood vessels. Reabsorbs cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Pia mater ("gentle mother") Innermost layer made of thin membranes that contain capillaries for providing nourishment to the brain and spinal cord. Forms capillary networks called plexuses which produce CSF.

Brain

The largest organ in the nervous system composed of about 100 billion neurons.
Contains spaces called ventricles where choroid plexuses of pia mater produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These ventricles allow CSF to circulate around the brain and into the spinal cord (through the central canal).

Cerebrum

The cerebrum is divided into 3 main regions: Cerebrum, Cerebellum, and the Brain Stem.
Cerebral Cortex (outer region) is made of gray matter (unmyelinated neurons) which contains up to 75% of all neurons in the nervous system. Cerebral Medulla (inner region) is made of white matter (myelinated neurons).
Consists of left and right hemispheres created by the longitudinal fissure at the center of the cerebrum and are connected by the corpus callosum.
The surface is marked by ridges called convolutions (gyri) which are separated by grooves called sulcus (or fissure if the grooves are deeper).

Cerebrum Function

Frontal lobe controls skeletal muscle movement and intellectual processes.
Parietal lobe controls sensations and speech.
Temporal lobe controls hearing and memory.
Occipital lobe controls vision

Cerebral Functional Regions

Motor areas are located in the frontal lobe and control voluntary muscles.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various brain areas and their functions. This quiz covers key aspects of the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, cerebellum, and brain stem. Understand how these regions contribute to motor control, sensory perception, and cognitive functions.