Nervous System Quiz

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, serving as a vital control center for the body.
• It is protected by three meningeal layers.

Spinal Cord

• The spinal cord is approximately 45 cm long and has a finger-like thickness.
• It forms a continuous structure with the brain, linking the central and peripheral nervous systems.
• The spinal cord is surrounded by the vertebral column, comprising 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal vertebrae.
• It has an H-shaped structure, with gray matter (nerve cell bodies) encircled by white matter (ascending and descending tracts).

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

• CSF is a clear fluid circulating around the brain and spinal cord.
• It cushions the CNS, provides nutrients, and removes waste products.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• Comprises cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.

Cranial Nerves

• There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, categorized by function: 3 sensory (I, II, VIII), 5 motor (III, IV, VI, XI, XII), and 4 mixed (V, VII, IX, X).
• They are numbered based on their emergence from the brain.

Midbrain

• Acts as a relay center for head and eye reflexes in response to visual stimuli.
• Also a key relay for auditory information.

Diencephalon

• Comprises the thalamus, subthalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Thalamus

• Sorts and directs sensory impulses to the appropriate brain area.

Hypothalamus

• Regulates body functions, serving as a link between the nervous and endocrine systems.
• Produces hormones affecting the pituitary gland, maintains water balance, appetite, sexual behavior, and emotions like fear and pleasure.

Cerebellum

• Coordinates voluntary muscle activity, maintains balance, and ensures muscle tone adaptation to positional changes.

Cerebrum

• Divided into right and left hemispheres, with each hemisphere having frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes.
  • Frontal: Controls personality, behavior, emotions, and intellectual function.
  • Parietal: Primary sensory center.
  • Occipital: Primary center for visual processing.
  • Temporal: Primary center for auditory processing.

Meninges

• Protective fibrous connective tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, offering protection, support, and nourishment.

Neurological Assessment

• Includes evaluation of CNS and PNS structures and functions.
• Involves understanding sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, protective structures, cerebral circulation, and neurologic examinations.

Brain Regions

• Diencephalon: Regulates consciousness.
• Brainstem: Connects upper brain to spinal cord; includes pons, medulla, and midbrain.
• Cerebellum: Manages gait and coordination.
• Cerebrum: Responsible for thinking and higher cognitive functions.

Medulla Oblongata

• Located above the spinal cord, it regulates vital autonomic functions:
  • Respiratory center: Controls breathing.
  • Cardiac center: Regulates heartbeat rate and force.
  • Vasomotor center: Regulates blood vessel smooth muscle contraction, affecting blood pressure.

Test your knowledge on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). This quiz covers key components such as the brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid, along with their functions and structures. Challenge yourself and enhance your understanding of human anatomy!