Human Anatomy Lec. 4: The Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

To produce the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord

To provide bony protection for the nerves

To transmit sensory and motor impulses between the brain/spinal cord and the rest of the body (correct)

To regulate the body's autonomic functions

What is the main difference between the gray matter and white matter in the nervous system?

Gray matter is found only in the peripheral nervous system, while white matter is found only in the central nervous system

Gray matter is made up of dendrites, while white matter is made up of ganglia

Gray matter is responsible for sensory functions, while white matter is responsible for motor functions

Gray matter contains the cell bodies of neurons, while white matter contains the myelinated axons (correct)

What is the main function of the cranial nerves?

To convey sensory information from the body to the brain

To regulate the autonomic functions of the body

To provide motor innervation to the muscles of the face and head (correct)

To protect the brain and spinal cord from physical damage

What is the main function of the ganglia in the peripheral nervous system?

To provide a collection of nerve cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the motor fibers and sensory fibers in the nerves?

Motor fibers carry impulses from the brain/spinal cord to the muscles, while sensory fibers carry impulses from the body to the brain/spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which of the cranial nerves is responsible for the sense of smell?

Olfactory nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is entirely sensory?

Vestibulocochlear nerve Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of spinal nerves pass through the intervertebral foramina in the vertebral column?

31 Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve carries motor fibers from the brain to the muscles and glands?

Ventral nerve root Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the dorsal ramus of a spinal nerve?

Supply the skin and deep muscles of the back Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies motor fibers to the pharynx?

Vagus nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the hypoglossal nerve?

Motor fibers to tongue Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the central nervous system?

Send messages to and from the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron carries nerve impulses away from the cell body?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of neuroglia in the nervous system?

Provide nutrients and oxygen to neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the central nervous system is made up of axons, neuroglia, and blood vessels?

White matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of neurons in the nervous system?

Carry nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the central nervous system is responsible for wrapping around axons to speed up electrical impulse conduction?

Myelin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ventral ramus?

Supplying the skin and muscles of the ventrolateral aspect of the body, including the upper and lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the somatic nervous system?

Controlling voluntary functions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a physiological effect of the sympathetic nervous system?

Moving blood from the heart, muscles, and brain to the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Resetting organ function after the sympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is a nerve plexus?

A network of intersecting nerves, composed of afferent and efferent fibers of spinal nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is a mucous membrane?

The lining of organs or passages that communicate with the surface of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a serous membrane?

To allow frictionless movement of organs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a serous membrane found in the body?

Synovial membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the parietal and visceral layers of a serous membrane?

The parietal layer lines the cavity wall, and the visceral layer covers the organs Signup and view all the answers

What type of nerve supply is responsible for the sensitivity of the parietal layer of a serous membrane?

Spinal nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the serous exudate fluid between the parietal and visceral layers of a serous membrane?

To provide lubrication for frictionless movement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about mucous membranes is correct?

A mucous membrane consists of a layer of epithelium supported by connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Main function is to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to limbs and organs.
Includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Gray Matter vs. White Matter

Gray matter consists of neuron cell bodies and is involved in processing and interpreting information.
White matter is composed of myelinated axons, facilitating communication between different brain regions.

Cranial Nerves

Primary function is to transmit sensory and motor information to and from the brain.
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, each serving distinct functions.

Ganglia in PNS

Function as relay points for transmitting signals between nerves and the CNS.

Motor Fibers vs. Sensory Fibers

Motor fibers carry signals from the brain to muscles and glands, facilitating movement.
Sensory fibers transmit sensory information from the body to the brain.

Olfactory Nerve

Cranial nerve I is responsible for the sense of smell.

Sensory Nerve

The optic nerve (cranial nerve II) is entirely sensory, focused on vision.

Spinal Nerves

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves passing through intervertebral foramina.

Efferent Nerves

Motor fibers from the brain travel through various nerves to reach muscles and glands.

Dorsal Ramus Function

Supplies sensory and motor innervation to a specific area of the body, particularly the back.

Pharyngeal Nerve Supply

The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) supplies motor fibers to the pharynx.

Hypoglossal Nerve Function

The hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) primarily controls tongue movements.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Main function includes processing sensory information, coordinating movement, and higher-order functions like thinking and memory.

Neuron Structure

Axon carries nerve impulses away from the neuron cell body.

Role of Neuroglia

Support and protect neurons, maintaining homeostasis and forming myelin.

CNS Composition

Made up of axons, neuroglia, and blood vessels, contributing to overall functionality of the nervous system.

Neurons' Function

Main role is to transmit information throughout the body, facilitating communication and response.

Myelination in CNS

Myelin sheaths wrap around axons to enhance the speed of electrical impulse conduction.

Ventral Ramus Function

Supplies motor and sensory innervation to the limbs and anterior trunk.

Somatic Nervous System

Main function is to control voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Sympathetic Nervous System Effects

Physiological effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure; it also triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System Function

Primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis and promoting rest-and-digest activities.

Nerve Plexus

A network of intersecting nerves that serve a specific region of the body.

Mucous Membrane Definition

A protective layer that lines various cavities and organs, secreting mucus for lubrication and protection.

Serous Membrane Functions

Provides a smooth, lubricated surface for organs within the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Serous Membrane Types

Includes the pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum; all serve different organ systems.

Parietal vs. Visceral Layers

Parietal layers line the body cavity; visceral layers cover the organs themselves.

Sensitivity of the Parietal Layer

Sensory nerve supply allows perception of pain and pressure in the parietal layer.

Serous Exudate Purpose

Acts as a lubricant between parietal and visceral layers, reducing friction during organ movement.

Mucous Membrane Characteristics

Provides protection and is involved in absorption and secretion processes.

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Description

Explore the basic structures of the nervous system in human anatomy, as discussed in Lecture 4 by Dr. Mortadha Sami. Learn about the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain and spinal cord, and how it functions to carry messages throughout the body.