10 Questions
What is the primary function of a neuron?
To receive and integrate incoming information and transmit it to other neurons or effector organs
Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response?
Sympathetic nervous system
Where do neurons communicate with each other?
Synapses
Which part of the nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions?
Parasympathetic nervous system
Which of the following is not a major part of the central nervous system?
Autonomic nervous system
What is the primary role of sensory neurons?
To receive and integrate incoming information
Which of the following is not a function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Increasing salivation
What is the main difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic system is responsible for 'fight-or-flight' responses, while the parasympathetic system is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the central nervous system?
Contains the cranial and spinal nerves
What is the primary function of the peripheral nervous system?
To transmit information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body
Study Notes
Cranial Nerves
- 12 pairs of cranial nerves, named by their function or location
- 5 pairs are motor nerves: Oculomotor N (3rd), Trochlear N (4th), Abducens N (6th), Accessory N (11th), Hypoglossal N (12th)
- 4 pairs are mixed nerves: Trigeminal N (5th), Facial N (7th), Glossopharyngeal N (9th), Vagus Nerve (10th)
- 2 pairs are sensory nerves: Vestibulocochlear N (8th)
Spinal Nerves and Nerve Plexuses
- 31 pairs of spinal nerves
- Each spinal nerve has two roots: dorsal (sensory) and ventral (motor)
- Dorsal root bears a sensory ganglion
- Spinal nerves exit from the intervertebral foramen and divide into dorsal and ventral rami
- Dorsal ramus supplies muscles and sensation to the human back
- Ventral ramus supplies antero-lateral parts of the trunk and limbs
Dermatome
- A segment of skin supplied by one spinal nerve
Protection of CNS
- Skull and vertebral column (bone)
- Meninges (membranes): three layers - Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater
- Cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space
Brain Ventricles
- Communicating network of cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and located within the brain parenchyma
- Composed of two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle
Neurons
- Unipolar neurons: have one process emerging from the cell, receive sensory information, and are found in spinal and cranial nerve ganglia
- Bipolar neurons (rare): have two processes extending from each end of the cell body, found in olfactory epithelium, retina, and ganglia of the vestibulocochlear nerve
Nervous Tissue
- Grey matter: contains cell bodies and processes of neurons, neuroglia, and blood vessels
- White matter: contains axons of neurons, neuroglia, and blood vessels
Anatomical Planes of Brain
- Hypothetical planes used to transect the human brain to describe the location of structures or direction of movements
Brain Regions
- Cerebrum: largest part of the brain, divided into two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum
Autonomic Nervous System
- Sympathetic Nervous System: "fight-flight-freeze" mechanism, increases blood pressure, heart rate, etc.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: "rest and digest", decreases heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
Test your knowledge about the cranial nerves and spinal nerves, including their functions and classifications. Learn about the 12 pairs of cranial nerves and the 31 pairs of spinal nerves in the human body.
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