Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does CNS stand for?

Central Nervous System

What two parts of the body make up the Central Nervous System?

The brain and spinal cord

Where is the Peripheral Nervous System located relative to the Central Nervous System?

Outside the CNS

What type of movements does the Somatic Nervous System control?

<p>Voluntary</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are afferent nerves?

<p>Nerves that carry sensory signals from the body to the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

What direction do afferent nerves carry signals?

<p>From the body to the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of functions does the Autonomic Nervous System control?

<p>Involuntary functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sympathetic nerves?

<p>Prepare the body for fight-or-flight responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

From what regions do the spinal cord nerves exit?

<p>Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

<p>Twelve</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are meninges?

<p>The three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dura mater?

<p>The tough outermost layer of the meninges</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the arachnoid membrane?

<p>The middle layer of the meninges, with a web-like structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the subarachnoid space?

<p>The space between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

<p>A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and removes waste</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central canal?

<p>A small channel running through the spinal cord, filled with CSF</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are cerebral ventricles?

<p>Four interconnected cavities in the brain that contain CSF</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are choroid plexuses?

<p>Networks of capillaries in the ventricles that produce CSF</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the blood-brain barrier?

<p>A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are neurons?

<p>The basic units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a part of neuron anatomy?

<p>Capillaries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an internal component of a neuron?

<p>Synapse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define a multipolar neuron.

<p>A neuron with multiple dendrites and one axon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interneurons?

<p>Connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are ganglia?

<p>Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the PNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are tracts?

<p>Bundles of axons in the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are glial cells?

<p>Support cells in the nervous system that maintain homeostasis and provide support to neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

<p>Glial cells in the CNS that produce myelin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is myelin?

<p>A fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulses</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are myelin sheaths?

<p>Protective layers of myelin around axons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Schwann cells?

<p>Glial cells in the PNS that produce myelin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of microglia?

<p>Immune cells of the CNS that remove waste and fight infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of astrocytes?

<p>Star-shaped glial cells that support neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golgi stain visualize?

<p>Individual neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the method used in Golgi Stain?

<p>Involves using a silver chromate solution to stain individual neurons black</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Nissl stain highlight?

<p>Neuron cell bodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method is used in Nissl stain?

<p>Uses a dye that binds to RNA, highlighting clusters of neuron cell bodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Electron Microscopy Technique used for?

<p>A technique that uses electron beams to magnify neural structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directions do Anterograde Tracing follow axonal pathways?

<p>From their origin to their termination</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Retrograde Tracing identify?

<p>The source of neural inputs by labeling axons projecting to a given area</p> Signup and view all the answers

What allows for visualization of neural pathways and white matter tracts in living brains during Diffusion Tensor Imaging?

<p>Uses MRI technology to track water diffusion along axons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'anterior' refer to?

<p>The front of the body or brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'dorsal' refer to?

<p>The top of the brain or back of the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are directional terms:

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are horizontal sections?

<p>Brain slices parallel to the ground</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are frontal (coronal) sections?

<p>Brain slices parallel to the face</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are sagittal sections?

<p>Brain slices dividing the left and right hemispheres</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a cross section?

<p>A transverse cut through a structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is gray matter?

<p>Brain and spinal cord tissue containing neuron cell bodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can Spinal cord injuries cause?

<p>Paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or quadriplegia (full limb paralysis)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are dorsal horns?

<p>The back part of the spinal cord's gray matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are dorsal root ganglia?

<p>Clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies outside the spinal cord</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the brain stem?

<p>The part of the brain connecting the spinal cord to the forebrain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Embryonic Development: Starts with three primary swellings, later forming five. What are the 5 primary swellings?

<ol> <li>Forebrain → Telencephalon &amp; Diencephalon, 2. Midbrain → Mesencephalon, 3. Hindbrain → Metencephalon &amp; Myelencephalon</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Myelencephalon?

<p>The lowest part of the brainstem, controlling vital functions like breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Medulla Oblongata regulate?

<p>Heartbeat, breathing, reflexes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is reticular formation?

<p>A network of neurons in the brainstem involved in arousal and attention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the pons?

<p>A structure in the brainstem that relays signals between the brain and spinal cord.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cerebellum?

<p>A structure at the back of the brain that coordinates movement and balance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Tectum?

<p>The dorsal part of the midbrain, involved in visual and auditory processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Inferior colliculi?

<p>Midbrain structures involved in auditory processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Periaqueductal gray?

<p>A midbrain region involved in pain perception.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cerebral aqueduct?

<p>A channel that connects the third and fourth ventricles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Substantia nigra?

<p>A midbrain structure involved in movement and dopamine production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Red nucleus?

<p>A midbrain structure involved in motor coordination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Thalamus?

<p>A relay station for sensory information in the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Massa intermedia?

<p>A small bridge of tissue connecting the two halves of the thalamus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Sensory relay nuclei?

<p>Thalamic structures that process sensory information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Lateral geniculate nuclei?

<p>Thalamic structures that process visual information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Ventral posterior nuclei?

<p>Thalamic structures that process somatosensory information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Pituitary gland?

<p>The 'master gland' that controls hormones in the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Optic chiasm?

<p>The area where optic nerves partially cross.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Decussate mean?

<p>The crossing of nerve fibers from one side of the brain to the other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Contralateral mean?

<p>Refers to the opposite side of the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ipsilateral mean?

<p>Refers to the same side of the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Mammillary bodies?

<p>Small brain structures involved in memory processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cerebral cortex?

<p>The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions, sensory processing, language, voluntary movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Fissures?

<p>Deep grooves in the brain's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

<p>The brain and spinal cord</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) include?

<p>Nerves and ganglia outside the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Somatic nervous system (SNS) control?

<p>Voluntary movements and transmits sensory information</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Afferent nerves?

<p>Carry sensory signals from the body to the CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Autonomic nervous system (ANS) control?

<p>Involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do spinal cord nerves exit from?

<p>Specific spinal regions—cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord?

<p>Meninges</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outermost layer of the meninges called?

<p>Dura mater</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the middle layer of the meninges, with a web-like structure, called?

<p>Arachnoid membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the space between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater called?

<p>Subarachnoid space</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the delicate innermost layer of the meninges called?

<p>Pia mater</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and removes waste?

<p>Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the small channel running through the spinal cord, filled with CSF?

<p>Central canal</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the interconnected cavities in the brain that contain CSF called?

<p>Cerebral ventricles</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the networks of capillaries in the ventricles that produce CSF called?

<p>Choroid plexuses</p> Signup and view all the answers

What protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream?

<p>Blood-brain barrier</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the basic units of the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals?

<p>Neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of neuron anatomy?

<p>Ventricle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an internal component of a neuron?

<p>Myelin Sheath (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a neuron with multiple dendrites and one axon?

<p>Multipolar neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a neuron with a single process extending from the cell body?

<p>Unipolar neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a neuron with one dendrite and one axon?

<p>Bipolar neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS?

<p>Interneurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are clusters of neuron cell bodies in the CNS called?

<p>Nuclei</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are bundles of axons in the CNS called?

<p>Tracts</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells maintains homeostasis and provide support to neurons?

<p>Glial cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cells in the CNS produce myelin?

<p>Oligodendrocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulses?

<p>Myelin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are protective layers of myelin around axons called?

<p>Myelin sheaths</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the immune cells of the CNS that remove waste and fight infections?

<p>Microglia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What star-shaped glial cells support neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier?

<p>Astrocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What staining technique is used to visualize individual neurons?

<p>Golgi stain</p> Signup and view all the answers

What staining method is used to highlight neuron cell bodies?

<p>Nissl stain</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique uses electron beams to magnify neural structures?

<p>Electron microscopy</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tracing technique is used to follow axonal pathways from their origin to their termination?

<p>Anterograde Tracing</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tracing technique identifies the source of neural inputs by labeling axons projecting to a given area?

<p>Retrograde Tracing</p> Signup and view all the answers

What modern technique uses MRI technology to track water diffusion along axons?

<p>Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term refers to the front of the body or brain?

<p>Anterior</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term refers to the top of the brain or back of the body?

<p>Dorsal</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term refers to the bottom of the brain or front of the body?

<p>Ventral</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term refers to towards the midline of the body?

<p>Medial</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term refers to away from the midline of the body?

<p>Lateral</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term refers to above or higher in position?

<p>Superior</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term refers to below or lower in position?

<p>Inferior</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the directional terms?

<p>Transverse-Longitudinal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term means closer to the point of attachment or origin?

<p>Proximal</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional term means further from the point of attachment or origin?

<p>Distal</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are brain slices parallel to the ground called?

<p>Horizontal sections</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are brain slices parallel to the face called?

<p>Frontal (coronal) sections</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are brain slices dividing the left and right hemispheres called?

<p>Sagittal sections</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a transverse cut through a structure called?

<p>Cross section</p> Signup and view all the answers

What brain and spinal cord tissue contains neuron cell bodies?

<p>Gray matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What brain and spinal cord tissue contains myelinated axons?

<p>White matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does damage at different spinal cord levels cause?

<p>Paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or quadriplegia (full limb paralysis)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the back part of the spinal cord's gray matter called?

<p>Dorsal horns</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical part are clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies outside the spinal cord?

<p>Dorsal root ganglia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What part of the brain connects the spinal cord to the forebrain?

<p>Brain stem</p> Signup and view all the answers

What 2 parts does the forebrain (1st swelling) form into?

<p>Telencephalon &amp; Diencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What part does the midbrain (2nd swelling) form into?

<p>Mesencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What 2 parts does the hindbrain (3rd swelling) form into?

<p>Metencephalon &amp; Myelencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest part of the brainstem, controlling vital functions like breathing?

<p>Myelencephalon (medulla)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Medulla Oblongata regulate?

<p>Heartbeat, breathing, reflexes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the reticular formation?

<p>Arousal and attention</p> Signup and view all the answers

What brain structure includes the pons and cerebellum?

<p>Metencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the brainstem relays signals between the brain and spinal cord?

<p>Pons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure at the back of the brain coordinates movement and balance?

<p>Cerebellum</p> Signup and view all the answers

What area is also known as the midbrain, involved in sensory and motor functions?

<p>Mesencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dorsal part of the midbrain, involved in visual and auditory processing, called?

<p>Tectum</p> Signup and view all the answers

What midbrain structures are involved in auditory processing?

<p>Inferior colliculi</p> Signup and view all the answers

What midbrain structures are involved in visual processing?

<p>Superior colliculi</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ventral part of the midbrain, involved in movement and arousal, called?

<p>Tegmentum</p> Signup and view all the answers

What midbrain region is involved in pain perception?

<p>Periaqueductal gray</p> Signup and view all the answers

What channel connects the third and fourth ventricles?

<p>Cerebral aqueduct</p> Signup and view all the answers

What midbrain structure is involved in movement and dopamine production?

<p>Substantia nigra</p> Signup and view all the answers

What midbrain structure is involved in motor coordination?

<p>Red nucleus</p> Signup and view all the answers

What region of the brain contains the thalamus and hypothalamus?

<p>Diencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a relay station for sensory information in the brain?

<p>Thalamus</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the small bridge of tissue connecting the two halves of the thalamus?

<p>Massa intermedia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term best describes Thalamic structures that process sensory information?

<p>Sensory relay nuclei</p> Signup and view all the answers

What thalamic structures process visual information?

<p>Lateral geniculate nuclei</p> Signup and view all the answers

What thalamic structures process auditory information?

<p>Medial geniculate nuclei</p> Signup and view all the answers

What thalamic structures process somatosensory information?

<p>Ventral posterior nuclei</p> Signup and view all the answers

What brain structure regulates homeostasis, including hunger and body temperature?

<p>Hypothalamus</p> Signup and view all the answers

What 'master gland' controls hormones in the body?

<p>Pituitary gland</p> Signup and view all the answers

What area is the area where optic nerves partially cross?

<p>Optic chiasm</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the crossing of nerve fibers from one side of the brain to the other called?

<p>Decussate</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the opposite side of the body?

<p>Contralateral</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the same side of the body?

<p>Ipsilateral</p> Signup and view all the answers

What small brain structures are involved in memory processing?

<p>Mammillary bodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest part of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, limbic system?

<p>Telencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions called?

<p>Cerebral cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of fissures?

<p>Deep grooves in the brain's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of sulci?

<p>Shallow grooves in the brain's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central nervous system (CNS)?

<p>The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

<p>The part of the nervous system outside the CNS, including nerves and ganglia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the somatic nervous system (SNS)?

<p>The division of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

<p>The division of the PNS that controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do nerves exit from the spinal cord?

<p>Specific spinal regions—cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are cranial nerves?

<p>Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and control various functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the anatomy of a neuron.

<p>Soma: Cell body, contains nucleus. Membrane: Lipid bilayer with protein channels. Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons. Axon: Long extension transmitting impulses. Myelin Sheath: Fatty layer speeding up transmission. Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in myelin allowing faster conduction. Synapse: Gap where neurotransmitters are released</p> Signup and view all the answers

List the internal components of a neuron.

<p>Nucleus: Contains genetic material. Mitochondria: Energy production. Endoplasmic Reticulum: Protein synthesis. Ribosomes: Sites of protein production. Synaptic Vesicles: Store and release neurotransmitters</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a multipolar neuron?

<p>A neuron with multiple dendrites and one axon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Oligodendrocytes?

<p>Glial cells in the CNS that produce myelin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Schwann cells?

<p>Glial cells in the PNS that produce myelin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Golgi stain?

<p>A staining technique used to visualize individual neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is electron microscopy?

<p>A technique that uses electron beams to magnify neural structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between Anterograde and Retrograde Tracing.

<p>Anterograde Tracing: Used to follow axonal pathways from their origin to their termination. Retrograde Tracing: Identifies the source of neural inputs by labeling axons projecting to a given area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)?

<p>Modern Technique: Uses MRI technology to track water diffusion along axons. Significance: Allows visualization of neural pathways and white matter tracts in living brains</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'anterior' refer to?

<p>Refers to the front of the body or brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dorsal' refer to?

<p>Refers to the top of the brain or back of the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

List some directional terms and what they refer to.

<p>Anterior-Posterior: Front to back. Ventral-Dorsal: Belly-side to back-side. Inferior-Superior: Below to above. Medial-Lateral: Middle to sides</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are horizontal sections of the brain?

<p>Brain slices parallel to the ground</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are frontal (coronal) sections of the brain?

<p>Brain slices parallel to the face</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are sagittal sections of the brain?

<p>Brain slices dividing the left and right hemispheres</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of Spinal cord injuries?

<p>Damage at different levels causes paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or quadriplegia (full limb paralysis)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the brain development process.

<p>Embryonic Development: Starts with three primary swellings, later forming five: 1. Forebrain → Telencephalon &amp; Diencephalon 2. Midbrain → Mesencephalon 3. Hindbrain → Metencephalon &amp; Myelencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Myelencephalon (medulla)?

<p>The lowest part of the brainstem, controlling vital functions like breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Pons?

<p>A structure in the brainstem that relays signals between the brain and spinal cord.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Cerebellum?

<p>A structure at the back of the brain that coordinates movement and balance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Superior colliculi?

<p>Midbrain structures involved in visual processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What brain region is the Diencephalon?

<p>The region of the brain containing the thalamus and hypothalamus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Thalamus perform?

<p>A relay station for sensory information in the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function do Sensory relay nuclei perform?

<p>Thalamic structures that process sensory information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Lateral geniculate nuclei?

<p>Thalamic structures that process visual information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Ventral posterior nuclei?

<p>Thalamic structures that process somatosensory information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Pituitary gland perform?

<p>The 'master gland' that controls hormones in the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'decussate' mean?

<p>The crossing of nerve fibers from one side of the brain to the other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'contralateral' refer to?

<p>Refers to the opposite side of the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ipsilateral' refer to?

<p>Refers to the same side of the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Central nervous system (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The part of the nervous system outside the CNS, including nerves and ganglia

Somatic nervous system (SNS)

The division of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information

Afferent nerves

Nerves that carry sensory signals from the body to the CNS

Signup and view all the flashcards

Efferent nerves

Nerves that carry motor signals from the CNS to the body

Signup and view all the flashcards

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

The division of the PNS that controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sympathetic nerves

Nerves that prepare the body for fight-or-flight responses

Signup and view all the flashcards

Parasympathetic nerves

Nerves that promote rest and digest functions

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Cranial nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and control various functions

Signup and view all the flashcards

Meninges

The three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dura mater

The tough outermost layer of the meninges

Signup and view all the flashcards

Arachnoid membrane

The middle layer of the meninges, with a web-like structure

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subarachnoid space

The space between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pia mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that adheres to the brain and spinal cord

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and removes waste

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cerebral ventricles

Four interconnected cavities in the brain that contain CSF

Signup and view all the flashcards

Choroid plexuses

Networks of capillaries in the ventricles that produce CSF

Signup and view all the flashcards

Blood-brain barrier

A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neurons

The basic units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals

Signup and view all the flashcards

Soma

Cell body, contains nucleus

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Dendrites

Receive signals from other neurons

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Axon

Long extension transmitting impulses

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Myelin Sheath

Fatty layer speeding up transmission

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Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in myelin allowing faster conduction

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Synapse

Gap where neurotransmitters are released

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Nucleus

Contains genetic material

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Mitochondria

Energy production

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Ribosomes

Sites of protein production

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Synaptic Vesicles

Store and release neurotransmitters

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Multipolar Neuron

A neuron with multiple dendrites and one axon

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Unipolar Neuron

A neuron with a single process extending from the cell body

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Bipolar Neuron

A neuron with one dendrite and one axon

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Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS

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Nuclei

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the CNS

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Ganglia

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the PNS

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Tracts

Bundles of axons in the CNS

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Nerves

Bundles of axons in the PNS

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Glial cells

Support cells in the nervous system that maintain homeostasis and provide support to neurons

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Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that produce myelin

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Myelin

A fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulses

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Myelin sheaths

Protective layers of myelin around axons

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Schwann cells

Glial cells in the PNS that produce myelin

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Microglia

Immune cells of the CNS that remove waste and fight infections

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Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that support neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier

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Golgi stain

A staining technique used to visualize individual neurons

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Nissl stain

A staining method used to highlight neuron cell bodies

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Electron microscopy

A technique that uses electron beams to magnify neural structures

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Anterior

Front of the body or brain

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Posterior

Back of the body or brain

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Dorsal

Top of the brain or back of the body

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Ventral

Bottom of the brain or front of the body

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Study Notes

Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • The CNS includes of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • The PNS is the section of the nervous system outside the CNS; it encompasses nerves and ganglia.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

  • The SNS controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information as a division of the PNS.

Afferent Nerves

  • Afferent nerves transmit sensory signals from the body to the CNS.

Efferent Nerves

  • Efferent nerves carry motor signals from the CNS to the body.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

  • The ANS controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion as a division of the PNS.

Sympathetic Nerves

  • Sympathetic nerves readies the body for fight-or-flight responses.

Parasympathetic Nerves

  • Parasympathetic nerves encourages rest and digest functions.

Spinal Cord Exits

  • Nerves exit from specific spinal regions, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions.

Cranial Nerves

  • Twelve pairs of nerves emerge directly from the brain and control various functions.

Meninges

  • Meninges are the three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

  • The dura mater is the tough, outermost layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid Membrane

  • The arachnoid membrane is the middle layer of the meninges, recognized by its web-like structure.

Subarachnoid Space

  • The subarachnoid space lies between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Pia Mater

  • The pia mater is the delicate, innermost layer of the meninges that adheres to the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

  • CSF is a clear fluid cushioning the brain and spinal cord and removes waste.

Central Canal

  • The central canal is a small channel running through the spinal cord, filled with CSF.

Cerebral Ventricles

  • Cerebral ventricles refers to the four interconnected cavities in the brain that contain CSF.

Choroid Plexuses

  • Choroid plexuses are networks of capillaries in the ventricles that produce CSF.

Blood-Brain Barrier

  • The blood-brain barrier represents a selective barrier protecting the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

Neurons

  • Neurons serve as the basic units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals.

Neuron Anatomy

  • Soma: The cell body, contains the nucleus
  • Membrane: Composed of a lipid bilayer with protein channels
  • Dendrites: Receives signals from neurons
  • Axon: A long extension that transmits impulses
  • Myelin Sheath: A fatty layer that speeds up transmission
  • Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in myelin which allow faster conduction
  • Synapse: A gap where neurotransmitters get released

Internal Components of a Neuron

  • Nucleus: Contains genetic material
  • Mitochondria: Aids energy production
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum: Synthesizes protein
  • Ribosomes: The location of protein production
  • Synaptic Vesicles: Stores and releases neurotransmitters

Multipolar Neuron

  • A neuron with multiple dendrites and one axon.

Unipolar Neuron

  • A neuron with a single process extending from the cell body.

Bipolar Neuron

  • A neuron with one dendrite and one axon.

Interneurons

  • Neurons connecting sensory and motor neurons within the CNS.

Nuclei

  • Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the CNS.

Ganglia

  • Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the PNS.

Tracts

  • Bundles of axons in the CNS.

Nerves

  • Bundles of axons in the PNS.

Glial Cells

  • Support cells in the nervous system maintaining homeostasis and provide support to neurons.
  • There are 4 types

Oligodendrocytes

  • Glial cells in the CNS that produce myelin.

Myelin

  • A fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulses.

Myelin Sheaths

  • Protective layers of myelin around axons.

Schwann Cells

  • Glial cells in the PNS act to produce myelin.

Microglia

  • Immune cells of the CNS remove waste and fight infections.

Astrocytes

  • Star-shaped glial cells supporting neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier.

Golgi Stain

  • Camillo Golgi developed this staining technique in 1873 to visualize individual neurons using a silver chromate solution to stain individual neurons black

Nissl Stain

  • Franz Nissl. developed this staining method using a dye that binds to RNA, highlighting clusters of neuron cell bodies

Electron Microscopy

  • A technique uses electron beams to magnify neural structures.

Tracing Techniques (Anterograde & Retrograde)

  • Anterograde Tracing: Used to follow axonal pathways from their origin to their termination.
  • Retrograde Tracing: Identifies the source of neural inputs by labeling axons projecting to a given area.
  • Importance: They helps map the brain's connectivity

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

  • A modern Technique used to track water diffusion along axons with the help of MRI technology
  • Significance: To allow visualization of neural pathways and white matter tracts in living brains​

Anterior

  • The anterior refers to the front of the body or brain.

Posterior

  • The posterior refers to the back of the body or brain.

Dorsal

  • The dorsal refers to the top of the brain or back of the body.

Ventral

  • The ventral refers to the bottom of the brain or front of the body.

Medial

  • Towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

  • Away from the midline of the body.

Superior

  • Above or higher in position.

Inferior

  • Below or lower in position.

Directional Terms

  • Anterior-Posterior: Front to back.
  • Ventral-Dorsal: Belly-side to back-side.
  • Inferior-Superior: Below to above.
  • Medial-Lateral: Middle to sides.

Proximal

  • Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

  • Further from the point of attachment or origin.

Horizontal Sections

  • Brain slices parallel to the ground.

Frontal (Coronal) Sections

  • Brain slices parallel to the face.

Sagittal Sections

  • Brain slices dividing the left and right hemispheres.

Cross Section

  • A transverse cut through a structure.

Gray Matter

  • Brain and spinal cord tissue containing neuron cell bodies.

White Matter

  • Brain and spinal cord tissue containing myelinated axons.

Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Damage at different levels causes paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or quadriplegia (full limb paralysis)

Dorsal Horns

  • The back part of the spinal cord's gray matter.

Ventral Horns

  • The front part of the spinal cord's gray matter.

Dorsal Root Ganglia

  • Clusters of sensory neuron cell bodies outside the spinal cord.

Brain Stem

  • The part of the brain connecting the spinal cord to the forebrain.

Brain Development: 3 Swellings → 5 Swellings

  • Starts with three primary swellings, that later forms five during Embryonic Development
    • Forebrain becomes the Telencephalon & Diencephalon
    • Midbrain becomes the Mesencephalon
    • Hindbrain becomes the Metencephalon & Myelencephalon

Myelencephalon (Medulla)

  • The lowest part of the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing.

Medulla Oblongata

  • Regulates heartbeat, breathing, reflexes.

Reticular Formation

  • A network of neurons in the brainstem that is involved in arousal and attention.

Metencephalon

  • Part of the hindbrain which includes the pons and cerebellum.

Pons

  • Structure in the brainstem that relays signals between the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebellum

  • A structure at the back of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance.

Mesencephalon

  • Also known as the midbrain, involved in sensory and motor functions.

Tectum

  • Dorsal part of the midbrain, which is involved in visual and auditory processing.

Inferior Colliculi

  • Midbrain structures involved in auditory processing.

Superior Colliculi

  • Midbrain structures involved in visual processing.

Tegmentum

  • Ventral part of the midbrain, involved in movement and arousal.

Periaqueductal Gray

  • Midbrain region involved in pain perception.

Cerebral Aqueduct

  • Channel which connects the third and fourth ventricles.

Substantia Nigra

  • Midbrain structure involved in movement and dopamine production.

Red Nucleus

  • Midbrain structure involved in motor coordination.

Diencephalon

  • Region of the brain containing the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Thalamus

  • Relay station for sensory information in the brain.

Massa Intermedia

  • A small bridge of tissue connecting the two halves of the thalamus.

Sensory Relay Nuclei

  • Thalamic structures that process sensory information.

Lateral Geniculate Nuclei

  • Thalamic structures that process visual information.

Medial Geniculate Nuclei

  • Thalamic structures that process auditory information.

Ventral Posterior Nuclei

  • Thalamic structures that process somatosensory information.

Hypothalamus

  • Brain structure regulating homeostasis, including hunger and body temperature.

Pituitary Gland

  • The 'master gland' controlling hormones in the body.

Optic Chiasm

  • The specific are where optic nerves partially cross.

Decussate

  • The crossing of nerve fibers from one side of the brain to the other.

Contralateral

  • Refers to the opposite side of the body.

Ipsilateral

  • Refers to the same side of the body.

Mammillary Bodies

Small brain structures involved in memory processing.

Telencephalon

  • Largest part of the brain, comprises the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system.

Cerebral Cortex

  • Outer layer of the brain, which is responsible for higher cognitive functions
    • Divided into: frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes

Fissures

  • Deep grooves in the brain's surface.

Sulci

  • Shallow grooves in the brain's surface.

Gyri

  • Raised ridges in the brain's surface.

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