Neurophysiology Pt 1 Quiz

Nervous System: General Info

• The mammalian nervous system consists of two main subdivisions: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord.
• The CNS receives and processes information, stores memories, generates thoughts and emotions, and initiates responses.
• The brain is responsible for processing information and controlling responses.
• The spinal cord conducts signals to and from the brain and controls reflex activity.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• The PNS is composed of all neural bodies outside of the CNS, including receptors, nerves, and ganglia.
• The PNS connects the CNS to the limbs and organs of the animal.
• The PNS can be further divided into two main divisions: Sensory Afferent Division and Motor Efferent Division.

Sensory Afferent Division

• The sensory neurons bring information to the CNS from receptors in peripheral tissues and organs.
• The sensory afferent division can be further subdivided into Visceral Sensory Division and Somatic Sensory Division.
• The Visceral Sensory Division collects information about internal organs via visceral receptors and sensory neurons.
• The Somatic Sensory Division collects information about position, touch, pressure, pain, and temperature via somatic receptors and sensory neurons.

Motor Efferent Division

• The motor neurons carry commands from the CNS to the peripheral tissues and organs.
• The motor efferent division can be further subdivided into Visceral Motor Division and Somatic Motor Division.
• The Visceral Motor Division provides autonomic regulations of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, glands, and adipose tissue, which are all under involuntary control.
• The Somatic Motor Division controls skeletal muscle contractions, which are under voluntary control.
• The Visceral Motor Division can be further subdivided into Sympathetic Division and Parasympathetic Division.
• The Sympathetic Division is known as the "fight or flight" autonomic response.
• The Parasympathetic Division is known as the "rest and digest" autonomic response.

Neuro Exam

• A hands-off neuro exam involves observing the patient's level of consciousness, content of consciousness, posture, and gait.
• A hands-on neuro exam involves observing the patient's cranial nerves, postural reaction, spinal nerves, and nociception.
• The overall purpose of any neuro exam is to localize the problem.