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Questions and Answers
What is the effect of buoyancy on the brain's net weight?
What is the effect of buoyancy on the brain's net weight?
What role does the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) play in waste removal from the brain?
What role does the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) play in waste removal from the brain?
What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?
What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Which function is attributed to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) regarding hormones?
Which function is attributed to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) regarding hormones?
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How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?
How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?
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What is one of the primary functions of the hypothalamus?
What is one of the primary functions of the hypothalamus?
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Which structure is continuous with the spinal cord?
Which structure is continuous with the spinal cord?
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What role do the nuclei in the midbrain primarily serve?
What role do the nuclei in the midbrain primarily serve?
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serves which of the following functions?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serves which of the following functions?
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How often is cerebrospinal fluid renewed?
How often is cerebrospinal fluid renewed?
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Which structure is primarily responsible for reflex centers such as coughing and swallowing?
Which structure is primarily responsible for reflex centers such as coughing and swallowing?
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What is the approximate length of the spinal cord?
What is the approximate length of the spinal cord?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid?
Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid?
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What is the largest part of the brain responsible for mental activities and sensory perception?
What is the largest part of the brain responsible for mental activities and sensory perception?
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Which part of the brain is involved in relaying sensory information?
Which part of the brain is involved in relaying sensory information?
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What structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum?
What structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum?
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What is the primary function of cerebrospinal fluid?
What is the primary function of cerebrospinal fluid?
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Which structure is NOT a part of the central nervous system?
Which structure is NOT a part of the central nervous system?
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Which area of the brain is primarily associated with voluntary muscle contraction?
Which area of the brain is primarily associated with voluntary muscle contraction?
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How does the structure of the cerebral cortex enhance its efficiency?
How does the structure of the cerebral cortex enhance its efficiency?
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Which of the following functions is NOT associated with the cerebrum?
Which of the following functions is NOT associated with the cerebrum?
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Study Notes
Central Nervous System
- The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
- The brain weighs approximately 1.4kg and is located in the cranial cavity.
The Brain
- The brain consists of the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum.
Cerebrum
- The largest part of the brain responsible for mental activities, sensory perception & voluntary muscle control.
- The cerebral cortex is highly folded, increasing surface area and neuron density.
- The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres: left and right, connected by the corpus callosum.
Thalamus
- Relays sensory information from skin and viscera.
- Involved in basic perception, arousal, emotions, and complex reflexes.
- Receives input from special sense organs.
Hypothalamus
- Located within the cerebrum and attached to the pituitary gland.
- Controls hormone output, autonomic nervous system, emotional reactions, hunger, thirst, body temperature, and biological clocks.
Midbrain
- Contains nuclei and nerve fibers connecting the cerebrum to lower brain areas and the spinal cord.
- Plays a crucial role in auditory and visual reflexes.
Pons
- Contains nerve fibers which connect the two cerebral hemispheres.
- Processes information from cranial nerves.
Medulla Oblongata
- Connects the pons to the spinal cord and controls bodily functions.
- Contains cardiovascular, respiratory, and reflex centers (coughing, vomiting, sneezing, swallowing).
Cerebellum
- Coordinates and fine-tunes movement, posture, and balance.
Spinal Cord
- Starts in the medulla oblongata and descends through the vertebral column.
- Nerves travel through it, conveying impulses from the brain to organs and tissues.
- Surrounded by meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
- Clear, colorless fluid that occupies the subarachnoid space in the brain.
- Acts as a "cushion" for the brain, reducing impact during head trauma.
- Renewed 4 times daily.
- Contains proteins, glucose, and lymphocytes.
Functions of Cerebrospinal Fluid
- Protection: Cushions the brain and reduces pressure on the base of the brain.
- Buoyancy: Reduces the brain's net weight.
- Waste Excretion: Transports metabolites, drugs, and other substances away from the brain.
- Endocrine Medium: Transports hormones to specific brain areas.
Peripheral Nervous System
- Connects the central nervous system to the body.
- Composed of cranial nerves (12 pairs originating from the brainstem) and spinal nerves (31 pairs).
- Divided into two main parts:
- Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movement.
- Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions.
Autonomic Nervous System
- Controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and body temperature.
- Divided into two branches:
- Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the "fight or flight" response.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: Restores the body to a state of calm ("rest and digest").
Spinal Nerves
- 31 pairs of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord.
- Carry sensory and motor information between the brain and the body.
Intervertebral Foramina
- Openings between vertebrae that allow spinal nerves to exit the spinal cord.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of the central nervous system, focusing on the brain's structure and functions. Learn about the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and how they contribute to sensory perception, emotion, and bodily control.
