Central Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What major structures comprise the central nervous system (CNS)?

  • Brain and spinal cord (correct)
  • Spinal cord and sensory organs
  • Brain and peripheral nerves
  • Nerves and ganglia

From which structure does the brain develop during embryonic development?

  • Neural crest
  • Ectoderm
  • Mesoderm
  • Neural tube (correct)

What is the process by which the brain develops folds?

  • Gyrification (correct)
  • Growth migration
  • Neurogenesis
  • Neural differentiation

Which lobe of the cerebral hemisphere is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

<p>Occipital lobe (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cerebral cortex?

<p>Regulating heart rate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes are present in each cerebral hemisphere?

<p>Five (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the cerebral cortex is responsible for voluntary movement?

<p>Primary motor cortex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of brain structure does the telencephalon develop into?

<p>Cerebral hemispheres (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the cavities within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid called?

<p>Ventricles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroglia is responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid?

<p>Ependymal cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the motor homunculus represent?

<p>Proportional representation of body parts in the brain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is responsible for planning and sequencing movements?

<p>Premotor cortex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Broca's area?

<p>Controlling muscle movements for speech (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is involved in regulating temperature and hunger?

<p>Hypothalamus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the primary auditory cortex do?

<p>Processes auditory information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the cerebellum play in the body?

<p>Coordinates muscle contractions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the meninges is the outermost?

<p>Dura mater (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What connects the medulla oblongata to the spinal cord?

<p>Medulla oblongata (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the thalamus?

<p>Receiving and relaying sensory information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons primarily compose the gray matter of the spinal cord?

<p>Multipolar neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three primary brain vesicles formed from the expanding neural tube?

<p>Prosencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the cerebral hemispheres contains nerve cell bodies and nonmyelinated fibers?

<p>Cerebral cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is involved in regulating sleep cycles and emotional responses?

<p>Hypothalamus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

<p>Perform regulatory functions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is composed of the anterior and posterior association areas?

<p>Cerebral cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as a protective barrier that separates the brain from the skull?

<p>Meninges (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells form myelin sheaths around neurons in the central nervous system?

<p>Oligodendrocytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area processes sensory information and is involved in creating a rational understanding of objects?

<p>Somatosensory association cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is cerebrospinal fluid produced within the brain?

<p>Ventricles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From which embryonic structure does the spinal cord develop?

<p>Neural tube (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

<p>Form myelin sheaths (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the cerebral hemisphere is associated with perception of taste?

<p>Insula (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary function of the cerebellum is to:

<p>Coordinate voluntary movement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for relaying sensory information to the cerebral cortex?

<p>Thalamus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What separates the gray matter of the spinal cord into dorsal and ventral horns?

<p>White matter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which areas of the cerebral cortex are primarily responsible for higher mental functions such as language?

<p>Association areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature of the brain maximizes its surface area?

<p>Gyrification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brainstem is primarily involved in the regulation of autonomic functions like heart rate and breathing?

<p>Medulla oblongata (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The cerebral cortex consists of how many layers?

<p>Six layers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the hypothalamus in the brain?

<p>Regulate autonomic functions and homeostasis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What develops from the posterior end of the neural tube?

<p>Spinal cord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for forming myelin sheaths in the central nervous system?

<p>Oligodendrocytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the adult brain is NOT one of its four main regions?

<p>Limbic system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fills the ventricles of the brain?

<p>Cerebrospinal fluid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the cerebral hemispheres is primarily associated with conscious thought?

<p>Cerebral cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the grooves on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres called?

<p>Sulci (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroglia is responsible for monitoring neuron health?

<p>Microglial cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the brain is responsible for regulating autonomic functions such as heart rate?

<p>Brain stem (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structures arise from the primary brain vesicles during development?

<p>Telencephalon and diencephalon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes are present in each cerebral hemisphere?

<p>Five (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the primary motor cortex?

<p>Controls voluntary movement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area processes visual information and integrates it?

<p>Primary visual cortex and visual association area (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the somatosensory association cortex serve?

<p>Integrates sensory information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the diencephalon regulates hunger and thirst?

<p>Hypothalamus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for coordinating movement?

<p>Cerebellum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the anterior association area?

<p>Integrates information from multiple sources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What protects the brain from physical damage?

<p>Meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brainstem connects the forebrain and hindbrain?

<p>Midbrain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord sends motor signals?

<p>Ventral horns (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tract carries sensory information to the brain?

<p>Ascending tracts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

<p>It encompasses cranial nerves and spinal nerves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms the Central Nervous System (CNS) during embryonic development?

<p>Neural Tube (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of white matter in the nervous system?

<p>Consists mainly of myelinated axons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of collection of cell bodies is referred to as a ganglion?

<p>In the PNS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is associated with the hindbrain?

<p>Cerebellum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sensory sensation is associated with proprioception?

<p>Position of body parts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What forms the fourth ventricle in the brain?

<p>Rhombencephalon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures connect parts of the CNS on one side to the same parts on the opposite side?

<p>Commissures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is gray matter primarily located in the brain?

<p>Outside (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that differentiates the somatic nervous system from the autonomic nervous system?

<p>The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for tongue movement?

<p>Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is known as the craniosacral nervous system?

<p>Parasympathetic nervous system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII exit the brainstem?

<p>Medulla (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the myenteric and submucosal plexuses belong to?

<p>Enteric nervous system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for facial sensation?

<p>Cranial nerve V (trigeminal) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which center is NOT contained in the medulla oblongata?

<p>Vision center (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What connects the third and fourth ventricles in the brain?

<p>Cerebral aqueduct of Sylvius (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

<p>Temperature and hormone production (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve supplies the parotid gland?

<p>Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes preganglionic fibers in the autonomic system?

<p>Myelinated and appear white (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord?

<p>Central nervous system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pathways carry sensory information towards the CNS?

<p>Afferent pathways (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the cranial nerves?

<p>12 pairs of nerves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nervous system controls involuntary functions?

<p>Autonomic nervous system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many segments does the spinal cord have?

<p>31 segments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What response is associated with the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>Fight-or-flight (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is located superior to the spinal cord?

<p>Forebrain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for rest-and-digest activities?

<p>Parasympathetic nervous system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nerves correspond to spinal cord segments?

<p>Spinal nerves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which system is primarily responsible for voluntary movements?

<p>Somatic nervous system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What appearance do unmyelinated fibers have in the nervous system?

<p>Gray (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are primarily responsible for myelination in the central nervous system?

<p>Oligodendrocytes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the fourth ventricle located in the brain?

<p>In the brainstem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerves provide motor function to the facial muscles?

<p>Facial and vagus nerves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling the movement of the tongue?

<p>Hypoglossal nerve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system arises from the thoracolumbar region?

<p>Sympathetic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the inferior salivatory nucleus?

<p>Controls saliva secretion and cranial nerve 10 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components makes up the craniosacral division of the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Cranial nerves 3, 7, 9, 10 and sacral nerves S2, S3, S4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a ganglion in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Collection of neuron cell bodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the myenteric plexus in the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Controlling gastrointestinal motility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is part of the central nervous system (CNS)?

<p>Brain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes sensory function in the nervous system?

<p>Afferent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many segments does the spinal cord approximately have?

<p>31 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes myelinated fibers?

<p>They contain myelin and appear white. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a ganglion?

<p>Collection of neuronal cell bodies in the PNS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

<p>Autonomic nervous system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which matter are unmyelinated fibers primarily found?

<p>Gray matter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the brain stem?

<p>Controls autonomic functions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a tract refer to in the central nervous system?

<p>A collection of axons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes sensations of position, muscle, and joint movement?

<p>Proprioceptive (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures does the neural tube develop into?

<p>Central nervous system and oligodendrocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerves emerge from the pons?

<p>Trigeminal, abducens, facial, and vestibulocochlear (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' responses?

<p>Parasympathetic nervous system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of cranial nerve 7 (facial nerve)?

<p>Controlling facial expression and taste on the anterior tongue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of the midbrain?

<p>Centers for reflexes such as corneal and light reflex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for tasting on the posterior 1/3 of the tongue?

<p>Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the vagus nerve (CN X)?

<p>Regulating heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is specifically involved with the movement of the eyeball?

<p>Oculomotor nerve (CN III) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the superior salivatory nucleus reside?

<p>Pons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is referred to as 'thoracolumbar'?

<p>Sympathetic nervous system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of spinal nerve pairs in the human body?

<p>31 pairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of the spinal cord is responsible for innervating the upper limbs?

<p>Cervical segment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which anatomical location does the conus medullaris typically end?

<p>L1-L2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the spinal cord contains neuron cell bodies and dendrites?

<p>Grey matter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do spinal nerves exit the vertebral column?

<p>Through intervertebral foramina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of white matter in the spinal cord?

<p>Contains myelinated nerve fibers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerves exit above their corresponding vertebrae?

<p>Cervical nerve C1 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the spinal cord experiences an increase in grey matter as it descends?

<p>Lumbar region (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What resembles a horse's tail at the end of the spinal cord?

<p>Cauda equina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many segments are in the thoracic region of the spinal cord?

<p>12 segments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is gray matter primarily composed of?

<p>Neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurons is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord?

<p>Sensory neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of myelin in the nervous system?

<p>To insulate axons and speed up impulse conduction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes white matter from gray matter in the spinal cord?

<p>Presence of myelinated axons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are spinal nerves formed from?

<p>Dorsal and ventral roots (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ascending tracts in white matter?

<p>Transmit sensory information to the brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which regions of the spinal cord is the ventral horn larger?

<p>Cervical and lumbar regions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

<p>Form myelin sheaths around axons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for connecting sensory input with motor output within the spinal cord?

<p>Interneurons in the dorsal horn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the dorsal root of a spinal nerve?

<p>Contains sensory fibers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures make up the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Spinal nerves and cranial nerves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the spinal cord contains the highest number of spinal nerves?

<p>Cervical region (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the conus medullaris?

<p>The rounded end of the spinal cord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of spinal nerves are in the human body?

<p>31 pairs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord is primarily responsible for conveying motor information?

<p>Descending tracts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does sensory information from the coccygeal segment move within the spinal cord?

<p>Medially in the spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of matter decreases in size from the cervical to the coccygeal segments of the spinal cord?

<p>White matter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ventral gray horn in the spinal cord?

<p>Associated with skeletal muscles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure resembles a horse's tail at the lower end of the spine?

<p>Cauda equina (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the spinal cord increases in size from cervical to coccygeal segments?

<p>Gray matter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of myelin sheaths in neurons?

<p>To insulate axons and enable faster impulse conduction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gray matter structure is involved in sensory processing?

<p>Posterior gray horn (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal cord region contains larger muscles requiring more motor innervation?

<p>Lumbar region (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures connect ventral rami with autonomic ganglia?

<p>Gray rami communicantes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the appearance of axons due to the presence of myelin?

<p>Whitish (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the dorsal root is correct?

<p>It carries sensory information into the spinal cord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the lateral gray horns located?

<p>Between spinal cord segments T1 and L2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What comprises the gray matter of the spinal cord?

<p>Dendrites and unmyelinated cell bodies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ventral root?

<p>To send motor information to the body muscles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as a groove on the anterior aspect of the spinal cord?

<p>Anterior median fissure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Forming myelin sheaths (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord contains motor neurons?

<p>Ventral gray horn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the dorsal root ganglia located?

<p>In the dorsal root (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms when the dorsal and ventral roots fuse?

<p>Spinal nerve (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does the dorsal ramus supply?

<p>Back of the neck and back (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord's gray matter is associated with sensory neurons?

<p>Posterior gray horn (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the lateral gray horn in the spinal cord?

<p>Contains pre-ganglionic motor neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurons primarily operate in the ventral gray horn?

<p>Motor neurons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What combination of roots and branches forms a spinal nerve?

<p>Dorsal root and ventral root (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT found in the white matter of the spinal cord?

<p>Ventral Gray Horn (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of spinal nerve pairs in the human body?

<p>31 pairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the spinal cord begin and end?

<p>From the foramen magnum to the L1-L2 vertebrae (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of the spinal cord has the highest number of spinal nerve pairs?

<p>Cervical (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What composes the gray matter of the spinal cord?

<p>Cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The conus medullaris is located at which vertebral level?

<p>L1-L2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure resembles a horse's tail and consists of spinal nerves?

<p>Cauda equina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates cervical spinal nerves from thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves in terms of their exit point?

<p>Cervical nerves exit above, while others exit below (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord?

<p>Forming myelin sheaths around axons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical features increase in the spinal cord as you move down from cervical to coccygeal segments?

<p>White matter decreases and gray matter increases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What part of the neuron is primarily responsible for carrying signals away from the cell body?

<p>Axon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons are predominantly found in the anterior gray horn of the spinal cord?

<p>Somatic motor neurons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of the posterior gray horn?

<p>Processes sensory information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the lateral gray horns located?

<p>Only between T1 and L2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the white columns in the spinal cord?

<p>To transmit sensory and motor information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the dorsal and ventral roots of spinal nerves primarily contain?

<p>Mixed sensory and motor axons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the ventral rami to ganglia?

<p>White and gray rami communicans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cauda equina?

<p>To facilitate movement signals to the lower limbs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the sensory neuron cell body located?

<p>Dorsal root ganglia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of the spinal cord is associated with the largest amount of gray matter?

<p>Lumbar (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature of the spinal cord reduces as you descend from the cervical to coccygeal segments?

<p>The amount of white matter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons does the ventral root of the spinal nerve contain?

<p>Somatic motor neurons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the spinal cord begin?

<p>At the foramen magnum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the dorsal rami primarily supply?

<p>Back and neck (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroglia forms myelin sheaths in the central nervous system?

<p>Oligodendrocytes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerve structure contains mixed motor and sensory information?

<p>Spinal nerve (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical term for the main part of a neuron that contains the nucleus?

<p>Cell body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the bulbous portion of the spinal cord associated with upper limb muscles?

<p>Cervical enlargement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord anatomy is located around the vertebral levels L1-L2?

<p>Conus medullaris (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of myelin sheaths contributes to faster signal transmission?

<p>Their fatty composition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which segment of the spinal cord does the number of spinal nerves peak?

<p>Cervical (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cervical enlargement in the spinal cord?

<p>Supports the upper limbs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure marks the pointed end of the spinal cord?

<p>Conus medullaris (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of spinal nerves are present in the human body?

<p>31 pairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of myelin-producing cell is found in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Schwann cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the volume of white matter change from the cervical to coccygeal segments?

<p>It decreases gradually (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cauda equina' refer to in relation to the spinal cord?

<p>A bundle of spinal nerves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of gray matter in the spinal cord?

<p>Neuron cell bodies and dendrites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the spinal cord is the anterior gray horn located?

<p>Anterior portion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of myelin sheaths in the nervous system?

<p>Facilitate signal conduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the first cervical spinal nerve exit in relation to the vertebrae?

<p>Above the C1 vertebrae (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the dorsal root in the spinal nerve anatomy?

<p>Carries sensory information to the spinal cord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which white column is located posterior to the gray matter in the spinal cord?

<p>Dorsal white column (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are lateral gray horns found in the spinal cord?

<p>Only in segments T1 to L2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a ganglion in the context of spinal nerve anatomy?

<p>A cluster of neuron cell bodies in the PNS (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the ventral gray horn primarily contain?

<p>Somatic motor neurons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms when the dorsal and ventral roots fuse?

<p>Spinal nerve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of fibers does the spinal nerve contain?

<p>Both sensory and motor fibers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the white columns in the spinal cord?

<p>Conveying sensory and motor information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dorsal ramus responsible for supplying?

<p>Posterior body regions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons are primarily located in the posterior gray horn?

<p>Sensory neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the posterior gray horn in the spinal cord?

<p>Contains sensory neurons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure contains preganglionic motor neurons of the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>Lateral gray horn (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of white matter in the spinal cord?

<p>Myelinated axons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the dorsal root from the ventral root?

<p>Dorsal root carries sensory information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the ventral white column?

<p>Located anterior to the gray matter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cellular structure forms the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Schwann cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the anterior (ventral) gray horn?

<p>Contains somatic motor neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What separates the white matter from the gray matter in the spinal cord?

<p>White columns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the function of spinal nerves?

<p>Carry both sensory and motor information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are ascending tracts located in the spinal cord?

<p>In the white columns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first structure sensory information encounters after entering the spinal nerve?

<p>Dorsal root ganglia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for transmitting motor information from the brain toward muscles?

<p>Ventral root (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons carry sensory information from the body to the spinal cord?

<p>Sensory neurons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of spinal nerve function, which of the following structures is a cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies?

<p>Dorsal root ganglia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal nerve carries primarily sensory information?

<p>Dorsal ramus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the anterior (ventral) gray horn?

<p>Transmitting motor information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the dorsal root and ventral root of the spinal nerve mainly consist of?

<p>Both sensory and motor neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'tract' in the context of the CNS refers to which of the following?

<p>A bundle of axons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does sensory information synapse after entering the dorsal root?

<p>Posterior gray horn (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of ganglia in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

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Flashcards

CNS

The central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord.

Brain Development

The brain develops from a neural tube in the embryo, forming primary vesicles then secondary vesicles.

Cerebral Hemispheres

Major brain region, responsible for most higher thought.

Gyri & Sulci

Ridges (gyri) and grooves (sulci) on the cerebral hemispheres.

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Longitudinal Fissure

The deep groove that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.

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Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the cerebral hemisphere; responsible for higher-order functions.

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Primary Motor Cortex

Part of the brain that controls voluntary movements.

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Brain Ventricles

Cavities within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid and lined by ependymal cells.

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Brain Stem

Part of the brain connecting the brain to the spinal cord; responsible for essential bodily functions.

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Motor Areas

Brain regions specialized for initiating voluntary movements.

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Motor Homunculus

A map of the body in the motor cortex, showing areas with proportionally more neurons controlling larger body parts.

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Premotor Cortex

Brain region that plans and sequences complex movements.

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Broca's Area

Brain area controlling muscle movements for speech.

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Frontal Eye Field

Controls voluntary eye movements.

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Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Brain area receiving sensory input from skin and body parts.

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Diencephalon

Brain region containing thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

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Cerebellum

Brain area controlling smooth, coordinated movement.

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Meninges

Protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Spinal Cord Gray Matter

Butterfly-shaped area of the spinal cord with neurons connecting to muscles.

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Spinal Cord White Matter

Area of the spinal cord with nerve fibers carrying information to and from the brain.

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Brain Development Stages

Brain formation begins as a neural tube, developing into primary (forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain) and then secondary vesicles.

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Cerebral Hemispheres Lobes

The cerebrum is divided into frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula lobes.

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Cerebral Cortex Layers

The cerebral cortex is made up of six layers of interneurons, glia, & blood vessels.

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Ventricles Function

Hollow cavities in the brain, filled with cerebrospinal fluid, supporting/cushioning the brain.

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Brain Stem Function

Connects the brain to the spinal cord, controls essential functions like breathing and heart rate.

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Primary Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movements.

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Thalamus Function

Directs incoming information to the cerebral cortex.

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Hypothalamus Function

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and many emotions.

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Spinal Cord White Matter

Contains nerve fibers conducting signals to and from brain, organized into tracts.

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Meninges Function

Protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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CNS Components

The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.

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Brain Development Stages

Starts as a neural tube, becoming primary brain vesicles (forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain), then secondary brain vesicles.

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Brain Regions

Cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum form the 4 main areas of the brain.

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Cerebral Cortex Layers

The cerebral cortex has six layers of neurons, glia, and blood vessels.

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Ventricles Function

The hollow spaces filled with cerebrospinal fluid that cushion and support the brain.

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Brain Stem Function

Connects the brain to the spinal cord controlling basic bodily functions.

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Meninges Protection

Three protective membranes (dura, arachnoid, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Spinal Cord Gray Matter

Butterfly-shaped area containing neurons connecting to skeletal muscles.

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Hypothalamus Function

Controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, some emotions and regulates the endocrine system.

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Thalamus Function

Directs sensory information to the cerebral cortex, involved in learning & memory.

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CNS Components

The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for coordinating body functions and controlling behavior.

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Brain Development Stages

The brain develops from a neural tube, transitioning from primary vesicles (forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain) to secondary vesicles for more complex structures.

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Brain Regions

The adult brain is structured into four main regions: the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum.

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Cerebral Hemispheres Lobes

The cerebrum is divided into five lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula, each with unique functions.

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Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres, mostly composed of nerve cell bodies, involved in consciousness and higher-level functions.

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Ventricles Function

Brain ventricles are hollow spaces filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions and supports the brain.

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Brain Stem Function

The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord, vital for life-sustaining functions like breathing and heart rate.

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Cerebral Cortex Layers

The cerebral cortex has six layers of neurons, glia cells, and blood vessels, essential for its functions.

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Cerebellum Function

The cerebellum coordinates movement and balance for smooth, precise actions.

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Meninges Protection

The meninges (dura, arachnoid, and pia mater) are membranes that encase and protect the brain and spinal cord.

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Motor Areas

Brain regions specialized for controlling voluntary movements, including the primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, Broca's area, and frontal eye field.

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Sensory Areas

Brain regions receiving and processing sensory information from various sources, such as touch, vision, and hearing.

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Association Areas

Brain regions integrating information from different sensory areas and motor areas to perform complex functions.

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Primary Motor Cortex

A brain region directly controlling voluntary movements of specific body parts.

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Diencephalon

Brain region located between the cerebral hemispheres and the brainstem; includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

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Thalamus

Brain region that serves as a relay center for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

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Cerebellum

Brain region responsible for coordinating movement, posture, and balance.

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Meninges

Protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Spinal Cord Gray Matter

Butterfly-shaped area of the spinal cord containing neurons that process signals for muscle movement and sensory input.

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Spinal Cord White Matter

Area of the spinal cord containing nerve fibers (tracts) carrying signals to and from the brain.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, controlling body functions and behavior.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

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Motor/Efferent

Nerve signals traveling away from the CNS to muscles.

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Sensory/Afferent

Nerve signals traveling from the body to the CNS.

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Nucleus (CNS)

Collection of neuron cell bodies within the CNS.

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Ganglion (PNS)

Collection of neuron cell bodies outside the CNS.

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White Matter

Myelinated axons in the CNS or PNS; appears white.

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Gray Matter

Unmyelinated axons and neuron cell bodies in the CNS; appears gray.

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Spinal Cord Segments

The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments (8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal).

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Neuroectoderm

Embryonic tissue that gives rise to the nervous system (CNS & PNS).

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Third Ventricle Location

Located between the two thalami.

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Lateral Ventricles Location

Found in each cerebral hemisphere.

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Cerebral Aqueduct of Sylvius

Connects third and fourth ventricles.

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Cranial Nerves I & II Origin

Exit the midbrain.

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Cranial Nerves III & IV Origin

Exit the midbrain.

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Cranial Nerves V, VI, VII, & VIII Origin

Exit the pons.

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Cranial Nerves IX, X, XI, & XII Origin

Exit the medulla.

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Amygdala Function

Associated with emotions and behavior.

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Hypothalamus Function

Regulates temperature, glucose, hormones.

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Midbrain Reflex Centers

Contains reflex centers for corneal and light reflexes.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; control center for the body

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; connects CNS to the body.

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Motor Function

Actions involving muscle movement (e.g., walking); signals leaving the brain and spinal cord.

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Sensory Function

The ability to feel; signals coming into the brain and spinal cord.

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Efferent Pathway

Nerve signals traveling away from the central nervous system.

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Afferent Pathway

Nerve signals traveling towards the central nervous system.

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Cranial Nerves

12 pairs of nerves connected directly to the brain.

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Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of nerves branching from the spinal cord.

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Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements; part of the PNS.

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Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate); part of the PNS.

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Unmyelinated Fibers

Nerve fibers without a myelin sheath, appearing gray and located in the gray matter of the CNS.

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Gray Matter Location (Spinal Cord)

Inside the spinal cord, containing neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers.

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White Matter Location (Spinal Cord)

Outside the spinal cord, containing myelinated axons.

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Nucleus (CNS)

A cluster of neuron cell bodies within the central nervous system.

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Ganglion (PNS)

A cluster of neuron cell bodies outside the central nervous system.

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Cranial Nerves 3,4 Origin

Originate from the midbrain.

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Fourth Ventricle Connection

Connects to the third ventricle via the cerebral aqueduct.

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Autonomic Neuron Ganglion

Requires a ganglion to relay signals between pre- and post-ganglionic neurons.

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Enteric Nervous System Location

Embedded within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, controlling motility and secretions.

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Thoracolumbar Division Location

Sympathetic nervous system originates from the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord segments.

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Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

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Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

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Prosencephalon

Develops into the telencephalon and diencephalon during brain development (forebrain).

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Mesencephalon

Develops into the midbrain during brain development.

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Rhombencephalon

Develops into the metencephalon and myelencephalon during brain development (hindbrain).

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Cranial Nerve 3

Controls eye muscles and pupil size.

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Cranial Nerve 5

Controls facial sensation and chewing muscles.

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Sympathetic Nervous System

"Fight or flight" response; thoracolumbar.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System

"Rest and digest" response; craniosacral.

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Fourth Ventricle

Connects to the third ventricle via the cerebral aqueduct.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, the body's control center.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the CNS to the body.

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Motor Function (Efferent)

Signals leaving the brain and spinal cord to muscles for movement.

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Sensory Function (Afferent)

Signals traveling from the body to the brain and spinal cord.

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White Matter

Myelinated nerve fibers in the CNS, appearing white.

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Gray Matter

Unmyelinated matter, including neuron cell bodies, appearing gray.

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Ganglion

Collection of neuron cell bodies outside the CNS.

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Nucleus

Collection of neuron cell bodies in the CNS.

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Spinal Cord Segments

The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments (8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal).

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Autonomic Nervous System

Involuntary nervous system controlling internal organs.

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Spinal Cord segments

The spinal cord is divided into regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal), each containing a specific number of segments

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Spinal Nerve Pairs

The spinal cord has 31 pairs of spinal nerves emanating from different vertebral segments.

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Conus Medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord, typically located at the L1-L2 levels.

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Cauda Equina

A bundle of spinal nerve roots extending from the conus medullaris, resembling a horse's tail.

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Cervical Enlargement

Thickening of the spinal cord in the cervical region (C5-T1), for innervation of upper limbs.

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Lumbar Enlargement

Thickening of the spinal cord at the lumbar region (L2-S3), for innervation of lower limbs.

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Spinal Nerve Exit

The first cervical spinal nerve (C1) exits above its vertebra, others below.

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Grey matter (Spinal Cord)

The darker, inner region of the spinal cord containing neuron cell bodies and dendrites.

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White matter (Spinal Cord)

Lighter outer region of the spinal cord containing myelinated axons (nerve fibers).

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Intervertebral Foramina

Openings between vertebrae where spinal nerves exit the vertebral column.

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Gray Matter Composition

Neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons

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White Matter Composition

Myelinated axons

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Myelin Function

Insulates axons for faster nerve impulse conduction.

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Ventral Horn Function

Contains motor neurons to skeletal muscles.

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Dorsal Horn Function

Receives sensory input from the body.

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Lateral Horn Function

Contains autonomic nervous system neurons.

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Ascending Tracts Function

Carry sensory information to the brain.

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Descending Tracts Function

Carry motor commands from brain to spinal cord.

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Spinal Cord Segments

Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, Coccygeal.

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Spinal Nerve Components

Dorsal and ventral roots combining to form the spinal nerve.

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Lateral Spinal Cord Information Flow

Sensory information from lower spinal cord segments travels laterally within the spinal cord.

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Cervical Spinal Cord Information

The cervical region of the spinal cord contains more ascending and descending nerve signals than lower regions.

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Motor Innervation and Limbs

Lower limbs, having larger muscles, require more motor neuron connections (innervation) to control their movements.

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Axon

A long, thin fiber that transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body of a neuron.

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Myelin Sheath

Insulating layer around an axon that speeds up nerve impulse transmission.

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Oligodendrocytes

Cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that create myelin sheaths around axons.

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Schwann Cells

Cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that create myelin sheaths around axons.

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Posterior Gray Horn

Projection of gray matter towards the back of the spinal cord, dealing with sensory input.

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Anterior Gray Horn

Projection of gray matter towards the front of the spinal cord, dealing with motor output to muscles.

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Spinal Nerve Rami

Branches of a spinal nerve, carrying both sensory and motor fibers to/from different body parts.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; the control center for the body.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; connects CNS to the body.

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Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of nerves branching from the spinal cord; connect to the body.

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Sensory Nerves

Relay information from the body to the CNS.

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Motor Nerves

Relay information from the CNS to the body.

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Spinal Cord Segments

The spinal cord is divided into 31 segments (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal).

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White Matter (Spinal Cord)

Myelinated axons carrying nerve signals; appears white.

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Gray Matter (Spinal Cord)

Unmyelinated axons and neuron cell bodies; appears gray.

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Spinal Cord Anatomy

Structure from foramen magnum to L1-L2, segments for nerves, cervical & lumbar enlargements, cauda equina.

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Ascending Tracts

Carry sensory information up the spinal cord to the brain.

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Spinal Cord Segments

The spinal cord is divided into regions corresponding to different vertebrae (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal).

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Spinal Nerves (Pairs)

31 pairs of nerves branch from the spinal cord, carrying sensory and motor information.

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Spinal Cord Location

Extends from the foramen magnum to the L1-L2 vertebrae, roughly the lower back.

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Cervical Enlargement

A wider area of the spinal cord in the upper cervical region, supporting upper limb function by increasing gray matter.

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Lumbar Enlargement

A wider area of the spinal cord in the lumbar region, supporting lower limb function through increased gray matter.

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Gray Matter (Spinal Cord)

The inner butterfly-shaped region of the spinal cord containing cell bodies of neurons, supporting sensory and motor functions.

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White Matter (Spinal Cord)

The outer region of the spinal cord containing myelinated axons, carrying information to and from the brain.

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Conus Medullaris

The tapered, cone-shaped end of the spinal cord found at around L1-L2.

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Cauda Equina

The bundle of spinal nerve roots extending from the conus medullaris downward, resembling a horse's tail.

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Spinal nerves exit

Cervical nerves exit above their segments, while thoracic and caudal nerves exit below.

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Schwann cells

Cells that form myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

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Gray matter

Part of the CNS containing neuron cell bodies and dendrites, not myelinated.

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Posterior Gray Horn

Part of the spinal cord's gray matter containing sensory neurons.

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Anterior Gray Horn

Part of the spinal cord's gray matter containing motor neurons.

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Dorsal/Posterior Root

Bundle of axons carrying sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord.

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Ventral Root

Bundle of axons carrying motor information from the spinal cord to muscles.

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Dorsal Root Ganglia

Clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies located along the dorsal roots.

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Spinal Nerve

Combination of a dorsal and ventral root, carrying both sensory and motor information.

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Lateral Gray Horn

Located in spinal cord segments T1 to L2, houses preganglionic motor neurons of the sympathetic nervous system.

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White Rami Communicantes

Nerve branches connecting spinal nerves to sympathetic ganglia.

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Spinal Cord Anatomy

The spinal cord is part of the CNS, extending from the foramen magnum to L1-L2 vertebrae, with 31 spinal nerve pairs.

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Spinal Cord Segments

The spinal cord is organized into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal segments.

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Conus Medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord, located around L1-L2.

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Cauda Equina

The bundle of spinal nerves extending below the conus medullaris.

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Spinal Cord Gray Matter

The butterfly-shaped region of the spinal cord, containing neuron cell bodies.

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Spinal Cord White Matter

The region surrounding the gray matter, containing myelinated axons.

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Neuron

A nerve cell with a cell body, dendrites, and axon.

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Myelin Sheath

Fatty insulation around axons speeding up signal transmission.

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Cell Body

The main part of a neuron containing the nucleus and organelles.

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Axon

The long projection of a neuron that transmits signals to other neurons or tissues.

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Posterior Gray Horn

Part of the spinal cord's gray matter, containing sensory neurons.

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Anterior Gray Horn

Part of the spinal cord's gray matter, containing somatic motor neurons.

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White Columns

Areas of the spinal cord containing ascending and descending tracts.

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Posterior White Column

Ascending tract carrying sensory information (e.g. Touch).(also known as dorsal white column or dorsal funiculus).

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Lateral Gray Horn

Part of the spinal cord's gray matter (T1-L2), containing pre-ganglionic sympathetic neurons.

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Spinal Nerve

Combination of dorsal and ventral roots, carrying both sensory and motor information.

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Dorsal Root

Spinal nerve branch containing sensory axons.

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Ventral Root

Spinal nerve branch containing motor axons.

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Dorsal Rami

Branches of the spinal nerve supplying the back and neck.

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Ventral Rami

Branches of the spinal nerve supplying the anterior and lateral trunk, and limbs.

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White Columns

Structures in the spinal cord containing ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) tracts.

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Dorsal White Column

Posterior to gray matter; carries sensory information.

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Lateral White Column

Located on the sides of the gray matter, carrying sensory and motor information.

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Ventral White Column

Situated in front of the gray matter, carrying sensory and motor information.

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Posterior Gray Horn

Part of the spinal cord gray matter containing sensory neurons.

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Ventral Gray Horn

Region of spinal cord gray matter containing motor neurons (somatic).

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Lateral Gray Horns

Spinal cord gray matter region (T1-L2) containing pre-ganglionic sympathetic neurons.

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Dorsal Root

Component of a spinal nerve carrying sensory information into the spinal cord.

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Ventral Root

Component of a spinal nerve carrying motor information out of the spinal cord.

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Spinal Nerve

Combination of dorsal and ventral roots; carries both sensory and motor information.

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Spinal Cord Location

Extends from the foramen magnum to the L1-L2 vertebrae.

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Spinal Cord Segments

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal segments, corresponding to vertebrae.

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Spinal Nerves Pairs

31 pairs of nerves, branching from the spinal cord, categorized by location (e.g., 8 cervical).

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Conus Medullaris

The pointed end of the spinal cord, roughly at L1-L2.

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Cauda Equina

Bundle of nerves extending from L2 to the coccygeal segment, resembling a horse's tail.

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Cervical Enlargement

Spinal cord widening at C5-T1, responsible for upper limb innervation.

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Lumbar Enlargement

Spinal cord widening at L2-S3, responsible for lower limb innervation.

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Posterior Median Sulcus

A groove on the back of the spinal cord

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White Matter

Myelinated axons in the spinal cord

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Gray Matter

Cell bodies and unmyelinated axons in the spinal cord

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Sensory Information Pathway

Sensory information from the body travels through sensory neurons to the spinal cord, specifically entering via the dorsal root and dorsal root ganglia, then synapsing in the posterior gray horn.

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Motor Information Pathway

Motor commands from the brain travel through motor neurons in the anterior gray horn, exiting via the ventral root, and through the spinal nerve to target muscles.

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Dorsal Ramus

Part of a spinal nerve that branches off and innervates the muscles and skin in the back.

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Ventral Ramus

Another branch of a spinal nerve that innervates the anterior and lateral portions of the body.

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Dorsal Root Ganglia

A cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies in the dorsal root of a spinal nerve.

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Anterior (Ventral) Gray Horn

Region of the spinal cord containing motor neuron cell bodies.

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Ventral Root

Part of a spinal nerve carrying motor signals away from the spinal cord.

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Spinal Nerve

A mixed nerve containing both sensory and motor fibers.

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Posterior Gray Horn

Region of the spinal cord where sensory input synapses.

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Ganglion (PNS)

Collection of neuron cell bodies outside the CNS (central nervous system).

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Axon

The long, slender extension of a neuron that transmits electrochemical signals away from the cell body.

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Myelin Sheath

Fatty insulation around axons, speeding up signal transmission in the nervous system.

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White Matter

The whitish part of the central nervous system, composed primarily of myelinated axons.

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Gray Matter

The gray portion of the CNS, largely composed of unmyelinated axons and neuron cell bodies.

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Posterior Median Sulcus

A groove along the posterior surface of the spinal cord.

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Anterior Median Fissure

A groove along the anterior surface of the spinal cord.

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Dorsal Root

The sensory input portion of a spinal nerve.

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Ventral Root

The motor output portion of a spinal nerve, carrying information to move muscles.

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Lateral Gray Horn

Gray matter region in the spinal cord that houses preganglionic autonomic motor neurons, vital for involuntary functions.

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Spinal Nerve

A mixed nerve containing both sensory and motor fibers that branch from the spinal cord.

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Study Notes

Central Nervous System

  • The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord.
  • The brain is the most complex structure known to humans.
  • The brain develops from a single neural tube in the embryo.
  • The anterior end of the neural tube forms three primary brain vesicles: prosencephalon (forebrain), mesencephalon (midbrain), and rhombencephalon (hindbrain).
  • The posterior end of the neural tube develops into the spinal cord.
  • The primary brain vesicles differentiate into secondary brain vesicles: the forebrain becomes the telencephalon (endbrain) and diencephalon (interbrain), the midbrain remains unchanged, and the hindbrain becomes the metencephalon (afterbrain) and myelencephalon (spinal brain).
  • The telencephalon develops into cerebral hemispheres, forming the cerebrum.
  • The midbrain and hindbrain segments together form the brainstem.
  • The brain's rapid growth causes it to fold, a process called gyrification.
  • The adult brain is typically divided into four main regions: cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brainstem, and cerebellum.
  • The brain contains cavities called ventricles filled with cerebrospinal fluid and lined with ependymal cells.
  • The CNS contains four types of neuroglia: astrocytes, microglial cells, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.

Cerebral Hemispheres

  • The cerebral hemispheres constitute the majority of the brain's mass.
  • The surface of the cerebral hemispheres is characterized by ridges called gyri, separated by grooves called sulci, and deeper grooves called fissures.
  • The longitudinal fissure separates the two hemispheres.
  • Each hemisphere is divided into five lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula.
  • Each hemisphere consists of three regions: cerebral cortex (gray matter), internal region of white matter, and basal nuclei (gray matter regions within the white matter).
  • The cerebral cortex is the most recently evolved part of the brain and is responsible for conscious thought.
  • The cerebral cortex contains six layers of interneurons, glia, and blood vessels.
  • Specific regions of the cortex, called domains, are responsible for particular motor and sensory functions.
  • These domains are classified as motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
  • Higher mental functions, such as memory and language, are distributed across the cortex.
  • Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body.

Motor Areas

  • The primary motor cortex controls voluntary movement.
  • Different parts of the body are represented in specific areas of the primary motor cortex.
  • The motor homunculus is a representation of the human body with body parts scaled proportionally to the amount of neurons controlling them.
  • The premotor cortex plans and sequences movements into complex tasks.
  • Broca's area controls muscles involved in speech production.
  • The frontal eye field controls voluntary eye movement.

Sensory Areas

  • The primary somatosensory cortex receives sensory information from the skin and other areas.
  • The somatosensory association cortex integrates sensory information to provide a comprehensive understanding of perceived objects.
  • The primary visual cortex and visual association area receive and integrate visual information.
  • The primary auditory cortex and auditory association area process auditory information.
  • The olfactory cortex processes odors.
  • The gustatory cortex perceives taste.
  • The visceral sensory area provides conscious perception of visceral sensations.
  • The vestibular cortex allows us to perceive balance and equilibrium.

Multimodal Association Areas

  • Multimodal association areas communicate with multiple brain regions.
  • These areas include the anterior and posterior association areas and the limbic association area.

Diencephalon

  • The diencephalon is located at the center of the brain.
  • It consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.
  • The thalamus receives and relays information to the cerebral cortex.
  • The hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system, regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep cycles, emotions, and the endocrine system.
  • The hypothalamus houses the pituitary gland.
  • The epithalamus contains the pineal gland and helps regulate sleep.

Brain Stem

  • The brainstem consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
  • The medulla oblongata connects to the spinal cord.

Cerebellum

  • The cerebellum consists of two hemispheres and regulates muscle contractions for smooth, coordinated movement.

Brain Protection

  • The brain is protected by meninges: connective tissue membranes situated between the brain and the skull.
  • The meninges consist of three layers: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Spinal Cord

  • The spinal cord extends from the base of the skull to just past the ribs.
  • It is protected by the vertebral column, cerebrospinal fluid, and the meninges.
  • Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves attach to the spinal cord.
  • The gray matter of the spinal cord forms a butterfly shape and is composed of multipolar neurons.
  • The gray matter contains dorsal and ventral horns, which connect to skeletal muscles and other structures.
  • The gray matter is surrounded by white matter containing nerve fibers that transmit information between the spinal cord and the brain.
  • These fibers can be ascending, descending, or transverse based on their direction of travel.
  • The white matter is involved in numerous pathways that will be further investigated later.

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