Nervous System Organization

Nervous System Organization

• The nervous system is organized in levels, each with specific functions.
• The brain has three main divisions.
• The brainstem has three key areas with defined functions.
• The cerebellum receives input from various areas and projects neurons to other parts, playing a role in movement control.
• The cerebral cortex is responsible for various functions.
• The basal ganglia have roles in the brain.
• The diencephalon contains specific areas with their functions.
• The brain is divided anatomically into different regions.
• Brodmann areas are mapped based on structures and function correlations.
• Brain structure and function are correlated, critical for understanding the nervous system.
• Motor and sensory regions of the cerebral cortex have specific features.
• Crucial factors for brain protection, nourishment, and homeostasis are examined.
• Three meninges function to protect the brain.
• A blood-brain barrier exists for specific reasons related to brain function.
• Cerebrospinal fluid plays a role in brain function.

Nerve Action Potentials and Synapses

• Myelin is created by specific cells.
• Astrocytes have a specific function to maintain homeostasis in particular.
• Neurons are mostly non-replicative.
• Neuronal components (dendrites, neuron body, axon hillock, axon, axon terminal, myelin sheath, Nodes of Ranvier) have specific functions.
• Neurons are classified structurally; examples and locations are listed.
• Resting membrane potential is determined by factors.
• Calculation methods of resting membrane potential are outlined.
• Methods to measure the resting membrane potential are described.

Nernst and Goldman Equations

• The Nernst equation and its function is explained.
• The Goldman equation and its function is explained.
• Membrane potential and its effect on ions is detailed.

Autonomic Nervous System

• The autonomic nervous system's functions are described.
• Parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are compared and contrasted.
• Key central mediators of autonomic function are identified.
• Preganglionic and postganglionic fibers of the PNS and SNS, their origins, destinations, and neurotransmitters are detailed.
• Paravertebral ganglia and their functions are explained.
• Cholinergic and adrenergic fibers are compared and contrasted.
• Acetylcholine receptor types and locations are noted.
• Multiple adrenergic receptor types are justified.
• Norepinephrine's role in vasoconstriction and vasodilation is detailed.
• The autonomic nervous system's responses in various scenarios are analyzed.
• Specific effects of SNS and PNS on various organs and processes are discussed.

Sensory Systems

• The components of the spinal cord (gray and white matter) and their contents are outlined.
• Dorsal horn and ventral horn contents are detailed.
• Dorsal root ganglion, meninges, white matter, and the organization of afferent and efferent inputs are described.
• Basic sensory receptor types and their functions are explained.
• Sensory receptor depolarization and synapse formation steps are noted.
• Sensory input processing and perception in the cerebral cortex are detailed.
• Structures and functions of the cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, lacrimal gland, iris, pupil, and others are covered.
• Pupil size change mechanisms and the lens function are detailed.
• Retina anatomical features, nerve types, and the visual process are described.
• Mechanisms of taste and smell are explained.
• Steps of detecting odors are listed.
• Major ear structures and the process of sound detection are detailed.
• Sensory systems working together to maintain balance are explained.

Motor Control and Reflexes

• Primary cortex, premotor area, basal ganglia, and cerebellum roles in motor control and muscle movement creation are examined.
• Direct and indirect pathways for motor signaling are reviewed.
• Motor planning and control differences are detailed.

Pain

• Pain localization and diffusion differences related to pain reasons are detailed.
• Referred pain mechanisms, somatic and visceral pain differences, and pain receptors are noted.
• Fast and slow pain, the role of nerve fibers, and pain responses are explained.
• The pathway from sensory neuron to the brain is described.
• Locations of the related neurons in the spinal cord are covered.
• The perception regulation, pain relief methods, and chronic pain reasoning are examined.
• Pain disorders are listed.

Corticospinal Tract

• The pathway of the corticospinal tract descending from the cerebral cortex is explained.
• Components of a reflex arc and common reflexes are detailed.
• The crossed-extensor reflex purpose is described.