CNS Protection Structures
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Questions and Answers

What is the outermost layer of the meninges?

  • Arachnoid
  • Dura (correct)
  • Subdural
  • Pia mater

    • The arachnoid layer is avascular.

    True

    What is the function of the epidural space?

    Protection

    The subarachnoid space is located between the _______________________ and pia mater.

    <p>arachnoid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures with their descriptions:

    <p>Dura = Outermost layer of meninges Arachnoid = Thin, netlike layer Pia mater = Innermost layer of meninges Subarachnoid = Region containing CSF</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The subdural space is closest to the bone.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the reticular activating system?

    <p>To control sleep and wakefulness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The limbic system interacts with the cerebral cortex to influence emotional responses.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the shape of the cross-section of the spinal cord?

    <p>butterfly or letter H</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The anterior horns of the spinal cord house the large cell bodies and give rise to _______________________ fibers.

    <p>motor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following spinal cord structures with their descriptions:

    <p>Anterior horns = House motor neurons Posterior horns = Process sensory information Lateral horns = Autonomic motor neurons Central canal = Houses CSF</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the ascending tracts in the spinal cord?

    <p>Process sensory information from the periphery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The spinal cord is responsible for facilitating thought processes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the tract that originates in the motor cortex and terminates in the anterior horn interneurons?

    <p>Corticospinal tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______________________ tract carries sensory information from the spinal cord to the thalamus.

    <p>Spinothalamic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the pyramidal tract?

    <p>To transmit motor impulses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do corticospinal tracts originate?

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

    The extrapyramidal system is involved in large automatic movements.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of cerebrospinal fluid?

    <p>Supports and protects the brain and spinal cord, and maintains a stable ionic concentration in the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by the _______________________ within the roof of the ventricles.

    <p>choroid plexus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the body at any given time?

    <p>150 ml</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cerebrospinal fluid is used as a diagnostic tool in neurological diseases.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following functions with the corresponding component of the CNS:

    <p>Cerebrospinal fluid = Supports and protects the brain and spinal cord Extrapyramidal system = Regulates large automatic movements Corticospinal tracts = Involved in voluntary movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is cerebrospinal fluid reabsorbed into the blood?

    <p>Dural sinuses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the largest portion of the brain?

    <p>Cerebrum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The cerebral cortex is the outermost portion of the cerebrum.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the corpus callosum?

    <p>The corpus callosum connects the cerebral hemispheres and allows communication between the two hemispheres and their various functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The cerebral hemispheres control the ________ side of the body.

    <p>opposite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following brain structures with their functions:

    <p>Cerebrum = Associated with higher mental functions (memory, reason) Cerebellum = Assists in balance, coordinated, smooth muscle movements Brainstem = Relay station connecting the nervous system to higher centers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The right hemisphere is usually dominant for language functions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of projection fibers in the cerebral tracts?

    <p>Projection fibers transmit impulses between the cerebral cortex and the rest of the nervous system (receptors/effectors).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The basal nuclei are located deep within the ________ hemispheres.

    <p>cerebral</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the commissural fibers in the cerebral tracts?

    <p>To connect corresponding areas in the right and left hemispheres</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the basal nuclei?

    <p>Regulating voluntary motor activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The cerebellum is located posteriorly and inferiorly to the cerebrum.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the thalamus in the nervous system?

    <p>The thalamus acts as a relay station for ascending sensory impulses, connecting other parts of the nervous system to the cerebral cortex.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______________________ is a neurotransmitter that assists in controlling the neural circuits that oversee smooth initiation and excretion of movement.

    <p>dopamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following brain structures with their functions:

    <p>Thalamus = Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex Hypothalamus = Plays a key role in homeostasis Pons = Houses fibers transmitting impulses from the cerebrum to the cerebellum Medulla Oblongata = Regulates heart rate and blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The hypothalamus is not involved in regulating body temperature.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the medulla oblongata?

    <p>The medulla oblongata is a control center for vital visceral activities, including regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the vasomotor center in the medulla oblongata?

    <p>Sends stimulation to the smooth muscles of some blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which meningeal layer is in direct contact with the skull?

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

    The epidural space lies between which two structures?

    <p>Bone and dura mater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    CSF circulates in the:

    <p>subarachnoid space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not part of the brainstem?

    <p>Cerebrum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The largest portion of the brain is the:

    <p>Cerebrum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum are connected by the:

    <p>corpus callosum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following increase(s) the surface area of the cerebrum?

    <p>Convolutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a lobe of the cerebrum?

    <p>Limbic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which lobe do you find motor areas and complete "higher-level" thinking?

    <p>Frontal lobe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which lobe is involved in both understanding speech and speaking?

    <p>Parietal lobe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The lobe that processes and integrates visual experiences is the:

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

    Which hemisphere controls the left side of the body?

    <p>Right hemisphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ascending and descending fibres cross over at the:

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

    Study Notes

    Structures Protecting the Brain and Spinal Cord

    • The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by bones, membranes, and fluid.
    • The bones include the skull (cranium) and vertebrae.
    • The membranes are called meninges, which consist of three layers: dura, arachnoid, and pia mater.

    Meninges

    • Dura: the outermost layer, made of fibrous connective tissue, houses blood vessels and nerves, and is attached to the inside of the cranial cavity.
    • Arachnoid: a thin, netlike layer, avascular, and located between the dura and pia mater, with a subarachnoid space containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
    • Pia mater: a thin layer, closely adhered to the organs of the CNS, houses many nerves and blood vessels that aid in nourishing the brain and spinal cord.

    Subarachnoid, Subdural, and Epidural Spaces

    • Subarachnoid space: between the arachnoid and pia mater, contains CSF.
    • Epidural space: above the dura mater, inside the bony cranium, contains loose connective tissue and fat.
    • Subdural space: closest to the brain, above the arachnoid.

    Divisions of the Brain

    • The brain is composed of many neurons and nerve fibers, allowing communication within the nervous system.
    • Divided into three major divisions: cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
    • Cerebrum: the largest portion, provides sensory and motor function, and is associated with higher mental functions.
    • Cerebellum: assists in balance, coordinated, and smooth muscle movements.
    • Brainstem: connects the nervous system to higher centers, contains vital centers controlling visceral activities.

    Structure and Function of the Cerebrum

    • The cerebrum consists of two large masses: cerebral hemispheres.
    • The hemispheres are connected by the corpus callosum.
    • The cerebral cortex is a "veil" of gray matter, containing 75% of the neuron's cell bodies in the nervous system.
    • The corpus callosum allows communication between the two hemispheres and their various functions.

    Cerebral Hemispheres

    • The hemispheres control the opposite side of the body due to the projection fibers crossing over at the level of the medulla oblongata.
    • Most people have left hemisphere dominance, which is associated with language, mathematical abilities, and logic.

    Cerebral Tracts

    • Beneath the cerebral cortex are masses of white matter, classified into three types: commissural, association, and projection.
    • Commisural tracts connect corresponding areas in the right and left hemispheres.
    • Association tracts transmit impulses within a single hemisphere.
    • Projection tracts tie the cortex to the rest of the nervous system.

    Basal Nuclei

    • Located deep within the cerebral white matter, a group of gray matter nuclei.
    • Involved in regulating voluntary motor activity, serving as a relay station for motor impulses.
    • Dopamine is produced in the basal nuclei, assisting in controlling neural circuits.

    Cerebellum

    • A large, cauliflower-shaped mass of brain tissue, posterior and inferior to the cerebrum.
    • Communicates with the rest of the CNS via three pairs of tracts, providing precise timing for skeletal muscle activity.
    • Fibers reach the cerebellum from equilibrium receptors, eye, and proprioceptors of skeletal muscles and tendons.

    Brainstem

    • Located beneath the cerebrum and anterior to the cerebellum, consisting of midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
    • The brainstem connects the nervous system to higher centers.

    Thalamus, Hypothalamus, and Medulla Oblongata

    • Thalamus: a relay station for ascending (sensory) impulses, connecting other parts of the nervous system to the cerebral cortex.
    • Hypothalamus: regulates many visceral activities, playing a key role in homeostasis.
    • Medulla oblongata: the location where tracts cross over, containing the vasomotor, cardiac, and respiratory centers.

    Reticular Activating System (RAS)

    • A complex network of nerve fibers and gray matter scattered throughout the brain.
    • Activates the cerebral cortex into a state of wakefulness, essential for wakefulness, attention, and concentration.

    Limbic System

    • A complex network of fiber tracts and gray matter found interconnecting parts of the cerebral cortex.
    • Monitors emotional experiences and expressions, interacting with higher cerebral cortical areas.
    • Plays a role in memory storage, with distinct feelings and emotions.

    Spinal Cord

    • A nerve column, posteriorly located, with a central canal housing CSF.
    • The anterior horns house the large cell bodies and give rise to motor fibers.
    • The white matter surrounds the gray matter, divided into anterior, lateral, and posterior columns.
    • Functions include conducting nerve impulses, providing a two-way communication between the brain and outside the nervous system, and serving as a center for spinal reflexes.

    Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

    • A clear liquid, secreted by the choroid plexus within the roof of the ventricles.
    • Circulates in the subarachnoid space, supporting and protecting the CNS.
    • Amount remains constant, with a little over ½ cup (150 ml) present at any time.
    • Composition is similar to blood plasma, with major solutes including glucose, proteins, and NaCl.
    • Plays a role in maintaining a stable ionic concentration, carrying wastes, and providing a pathway for waste products.

    Tracts

    • Pyramidal tracts: descending motor tracts, originating in the primary motor area (cortex) and crossing at the level of the medulla.
    • Extrapyramidal tracts: all other motor tracts, relaying to numerous other sites within the brain.

    Ascending and Descending Tracts

    • Ascending tracts: carry sensory information from the periphery to the brain.
    • Descending tracts: carry motor impulses from the brain to the effector.

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    Description

    Learn about the protective structures surrounding the brain and spinal cord, including bones, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.

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