Central Nervous System (CNS) Quiz

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Consists of the brain and spinal cord
• Protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB)
• Functions:
  • Integration of sensory information
  • Control of motor functions
  • Regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
  • Modulation of emotions and behavior

Brain

• Cerebrum: divided into two hemispheres (left and right)
  • Controls movement, sensation, and cognitive functions
• Cerebellum: coordinates muscle movements and balance
• Brainstem: connects cerebrum to spinal cord
  • Regulates basic functions (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure)

Spinal Cord

• Extends from brainstem to lower back
• Functions:
  • Transmits messages between brain and peripheral nervous system
  • Controls reflexes
  • Regulates autonomic functions (e.g., blood pressure, digestion)

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• Consists of nerves that connect CNS to the rest of the body
• Divided into:
  • Somatic nervous system: controls voluntary movements
  • Autonomic nervous system: regulates involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion)

Neuroglia

• Non-neuronal cells that support neurons
• Types:
  • Astrocytes: maintain BBB, provide nutrients to neurons
  • Oligodendrocytes: produce myelin in CNS
  • Microglia: immune cells that protect CNS
  • Ependymal cells: line ventricles and cerebral aqueduct

Neurotransmission

• Process by which neurons communicate with each other
• Steps:
  1. Synthesis and release of neurotransmitters
  2. Binding of neurotransmitters to receptors
  3. Signal transmission and termination

Neurological Assessment

• Includes:
  • Level of consciousness (LOC)
  • Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
  • Cranial nerve examination
  • Motor and sensory function evaluation
  • Reflex testing

Common Neurological Disorders

• Stroke: disruption of blood flow to the brain
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): damage to the brain from external forces
• Spinal cord injury (SCI): damage to the spinal cord
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's
• Infections: meningitis, encephalitis

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Consists of the brain and spinal cord, protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB)
• Functions include integration of sensory information, control of motor functions, regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, and modulation of emotions and behavior

Brain

• Cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres (left and right) and controls movement, sensation, and cognitive functions
• Cerebellum coordinates muscle movements and balance
• Brainstem connects cerebrum to spinal cord and regulates basic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure

Spinal Cord

• Extends from brainstem to lower back and transmits messages between brain and peripheral nervous system
• Functions include controlling reflexes and regulating autonomic functions like blood pressure and digestion

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• Consists of nerves that connect CNS to the rest of the body and is divided into somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• Somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements
• Autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion

Neuroglia

• Non-neuronal cells that support neurons, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells
• Astrocytes maintain the blood-brain barrier and provide nutrients to neurons
• Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the CNS
• Microglia are immune cells that protect the CNS
• Ependymal cells line ventricles and the cerebral aqueduct

Neurotransmission

• Process by which neurons communicate with each other through synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, binding to receptors, signal transmission, and termination

Neurological Assessment

• Includes evaluation of level of consciousness, Glasgow Coma Scale, cranial nerve examination, motor and sensory function evaluation, and reflex testing

Common Neurological Disorders

• Stroke: disruption of blood flow to the brain
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): damage to the brain from external forces
• Spinal cord injury (SCI): damage to the spinal cord
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's
• Infections: meningitis and encephalitis