Questions and Answers
What is the nervous system?
Complex hierarchical structure composed of billions of neurons.
What allows many motor functions to become automatic?
Practice
What are the domains for the cerebral cortex?
Voluntary movement, sensory awareness, and cognitive functions.
What are the communication links of the nervous system?
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How is the nervous system divided functionally?
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How is the nervous system divided?
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How does the developmental divisions separate the brain?
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How are neurons categorized?
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How do neurons communicate?
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Neurons communicate through synapses by means of what?
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What is the relationship between the size and type of axon and neural impulses?
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What provides the fatty sheath for myelinated axons?
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How is the cerebral cortex protected?
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How do the meninges provide support for delicate neural and vascular tissue?
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What does the spinal meningeal linings protect?
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What does the basal ganglia control?
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What does the hippocampal formation control?
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What does the subthalamus control?
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What does the hypothalamus control?
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How is the brainstem divided?
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What does the medulla contain?
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Where are the IX, X, XI, and XII cranial nerves located?
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What is the Circle of Willis?
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Study Notes
Nervous System Overview
- The nervous system is a complex hierarchical structure comprised of billions of neurons.
- Functionally divided into the autonomic nervous system (regulates involuntary functions) and somatic nervous system (controls voluntary movements).
- Anatomically divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) which connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
Cerebral Cortex Functions
- Domains of the cerebral cortex encompass voluntary movement, sensory awareness, and cognitive functions.
- The cerebral cortex is safeguarded by cerebrospinal fluid, meningeal linings, and layers known as dura, pia, and arachnoid matter.
Neuron Structure and Communication
- Neurons are categorized as unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar based on their structure.
- Neurons communicate via synapses, using neurotransmitters to transmit signals.
- The size and type of an axon directly relate to the conduction velocity of neural impulses.
- Glial cells provide the fatty myelin sheath for myelinated axons.
Brain and Neural Control Centers
- The developmental divisions of the brain consist of the prosencephalon, mesencephalon (midbrain), and rhombencephalon.
- Basal ganglia are responsible for the control of movement.
- The hippocampal formation is critical for memory functions.
- The subthalamus also plays a role in regulating movement, while the hypothalamus manages bodily functions and desires.
Brainstem and Cranial Nerves
- The brainstem is structured into three parts: midbrain, pons, and medulla.
- The medulla contains crucial structures such as pyramidal decussation, which is involved in motor control.
- Cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII originate in the medulla.
Blood Flow in the Brain
- The Circle of Willis is a network of communicating arteries that creates redundant pathways for blood flow to the cerebral cortex, ensuring adequate blood supply.
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Description
Explore the intricate structure and functions of the nervous system. This quiz covers the division of the nervous system, the functions of the cerebral cortex, and the structure and communication of neurons. Test your knowledge on how these components interact.