Neuroanatomy: Spinal Cord, Reflexes, and Autonomic NS
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following arteries directly connects the internal carotid and vertebrobasilar systems within the Circle of Willis?

  • Anterior cerebral artery
  • Anterior communicating artery
  • Posterior communicating artery (correct)
  • Middle cerebral artery

    • Veins of the brain typically accompany arteries and contain valves to prevent backflow.

    False (B)

    What is the name given to the collection of nerve roots extending from the conus medullaris?

    cauda equina

    The ______ white columns in the spinal cord carry fine touch, pressure, vibration, and proprioception to the primary sensory cortex.

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

    Match the spinal cord region with its corresponding number of nerve pairs:

    <p>Cervical = 8 Thoracic = 12 Lumbar = 5 Sacral = 5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Damage to the spinal cord at the thoracic vertebrae level typically results in:

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

    Spinal nerves are purely sensory nerves, containing only afferent fibers.

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

    What type of motor response is characterized as rapid, automatic, and consistent?

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

    In a monosynaptic reflex, a sensory neuron synapses directly with a ______ neuron.

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

    Which division of the autonomic nervous system has preganglionic fibers that originate in the brain stem and sacral spinal region?

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

    All postganglionic fibers in the autonomic nervous system release acetylcholine (ACh).

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

    Which division of the autonomic nervous system is often referred to as the "fight or flight" system?

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

    The third-order neurons in ascending sensory pathways have their cell bodies located in the ______.

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

    Which descending pathway provides conscious, voluntary control of skeletal muscles?

    <p>Corticospinal (pyramidal) pathways (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In descending motor pathways, upper motor neurons (UMN) are located in the PNS, while lower motor neurons (LMN) are located in the CNS.

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

    Which of the following is a primary function of the cerebellum?

    <p>Adjusting postural muscles to maintain balance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The dura mater in the cranial cavity consists of one layer that is fused to the periosteum of the skull.

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

    What is the name given to the condition in which there is an obstruction of CSF flow?

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

    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is reabsorbed into venous circulation at the ______ granulations.

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

    Match the following brain structures with their primary functions:

    <p>Pons = Links cerebellum with brain stem and spinal cord, contains respiratory centres &amp; nuclei for cranial nerves V-VIII Medulla Oblongata = Connects brain to spinal cord, relays information, contains autonomic and reflex centres and the nuclei for cranial nerves IX-XII Substantia Nigra = Involuntary movements Cerebellum = Adjusting postural muscles and Programs, fine-tunes &amp; smoothens voluntary &amp; involuntary movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Damage to the cerebellum is most likely to result in:

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

    The middle cerebral artery supplies the frontal poles of the cerebrum.

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

    What is the name of the space between the vertebrae and the dura mater in the vertebral column, which is used for epidural blocks?

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

    The ______ ventricle of the brain is located within the diencephalon.

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

    Which layer of the meninges contains cerebral vessels?

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

    The main functions of the medulla oblongata is adjusting postural muscles to maintain balance.

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

    Where are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced?

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

    The anterior cerebral artery supplies blood to the frontal poles of the cerebrum & medial, superior surfaces of cerebral hemisphere except ______ lobe

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

    A lumbar puncture is typically performed at which location in the vertebral column?

    <p>Between L3-L4 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the Meninges layer to to its description.

    <p>Dura Mater = Tough fibrous membrane covering brain &amp; spinal cord Arachnoid Mater = Thin, delicate network of fibres → like spider-webs Pia Mater = Thinnest membrane Closely applied onto brain surface Contains cerebral vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cerebral lobe primarily processes auditory information?

    <p>Temporal lobe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The corpus callosum connects the cerebrum to the cerebellum.

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

    What is the name of the elevated ridges that increase the surface area of the cerebral cortex?

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

    The primary motor cortex, responsible for directing voluntary movement, is located in the ______ gyrus of the frontal lobe.

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

    Match each brain area with its primary function:

    <p>Frontal Lobe = Executive functions, planning, and voluntary movement Parietal Lobe = Sensory processing and spatial awareness Temporal Lobe = Auditory processing and memory Occipital Lobe = Visual processing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a primary function of the hypothalamus?

    <p>Regulating body temperature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Damage to the speech center (Broca's area) always results in a complete inability to understand language.

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

    What is the main function of the reticular activating system (RAS) within the brainstem?

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

    The ______ sulcus separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

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

    The general interpretive area (GIA), also known as Wernicke's area, is typically located in which cerebral hemisphere?

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

    The primary sensory cortex is located in the precentral gyrus.

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

    Which part of the diencephalon secretes melatonin and regulates day-night cycles?

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

    Which structure is described as masses of gray matter embedded in the white matter of the cerebrum, involved in subconscious control of skeletal muscle tone?

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

    The ______ lobe is located at the back of the head and processes visual information.

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

    Which of the following is NOT a function associated with the limbic system?

    <p>Control of heart rate and breathing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Cerebrum

    Largest brain component controlling conscious thought and intellect.

    Gray Matter

    Outer layer of the cerebrum containing neuron cell bodies.

    White Matter

    Inner layer of the cerebrum containing nerve fibers.

    Frontal Lobe

    Located at the front of the brain, responsible for decision making.

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    Primary Motor Cortex

    Located in the precentral gyrus, directs voluntary movement.

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    Primary Sensory Cortex

    Located in the postcentral gyrus, receives somatic sensory information.

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    General Interpretive Area (GIA)

    Also known as Wernicke’s area, processes complex sensory info.

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    Hemispheric Lateralization

    Specialization of brain hemispheres for different functions.

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    Basal Nuclei

    Masses of gray matter in cerebral white matter, controls muscle tone.

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    Limbic System

    Functional group responsible for emotions and memory storage.

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    Diencephalon

    Integrates sensory information and motor commands, located above the brainstem.

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    Hypothalamus

    Regulates autonomic functions and hormones, under the thalamus.

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    Midbrain

    Part of the brainstem for vision and hearing reflexes.

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    Cerebellum

    Coordinates voluntary movements and balance, located at the back of the brain.

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    Substantia nigra

    A brain structure involved in involuntary movements.

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    Pons

    Bridge between cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord; contains respiratory centers.

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    Medulla oblongata

    Connects brain to spinal cord; regulates autonomic functions like breathing.

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    Meninges

    Three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

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    Dura mater

    Outermost meningeal layer; tough and fibrous.

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    Arachnoid matter

    Middle layer of meninges, web-like structure.

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    Pia mater

    Innermost meningeal layer, thin and close to the brain.

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    Ventricles

    Four cavities in the brain containing cerebrospinal fluid.

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    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

    Clear liquid circulating in the CNS, cushioning the brain.

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    Lumbar puncture

    Medical procedure to sample cerebrospinal fluid.

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    Hydrocephalus

    Condition of excess cerebrospinal fluid; leads to increased pressure.

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    Internal carotid arteries

    Major blood supply to the brain, branching from the neck.

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    Anterior cerebral artery

    Supplies blood to the frontal poles and medial parts of the brain.

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    Middle cerebral artery

    Supplies lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere.

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    Vertebrobasilar system

    Network of arteries supplying the brain stem and posterior parts of the brain.

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    Posterior cerebral artery

    Artery that supplies the occipital lobe, diencephalon & midbrain.

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    Circle of Willis

    Arterial ring connecting carotid and vertebrobasilar systems at the brain's base.

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    Spinal cord segments

    31 segments including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions.

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    Reflex arc

    Pathway involved in reflex actions; includes sensory neuron, processing center, motor neuron.

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    Monosynaptic reflex

    A simple reflex involving only one synapse, such as the stretch reflex.

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    Polysynaptic reflex

    Complex reflex involving one or more interneurons, resulting in a delayed response.

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    Sympathetic division

    Part of the ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' responses, utilizing short preganglionic fibers.

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    Parasympathetic division

    Part of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, using long preganglionic fibers.

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    Ascending pathways

    Sensory pathways involving three neurons carrying information to the brain.

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    Descending pathways

    Motor pathways conveying commands from the CNS to peripheral effectors.

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    Pyramidal pathways

    Conscious pathways controlling voluntary movements, starting from the motor cortex.

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    Extrapyramidal pathways

    Subconscious pathways controlling posture and muscle tone, originating from various brain regions.

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    Study Notes

    Major Regions of the Brain

    • Cerebrum is the largest component, controlling higher mental functions like thought and intellect
    • Divided into two hemispheres (left and right) separated by the longitudinal fissure
    • Connected by the corpus callosum
    • Diencephalon includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
    • Cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance

    Cerebrum Structure

    • Gray matter forms a thin outer layer, known as the cerebral cortex
    • Contains neuron cell bodies
    • White matter is located internally and contains nerve fibers
    • Cerebral nuclei (basal nuclei) are areas of gray matter within the white matter

    Cerebral Hemispheres

    • Frontal lobe is located at the front of the forehead, bordered by the precentral gyrus
    • Parietal lobe is located towards the middle of the head, bordered by the postcentral gyrus and the parieto-occipital sulcus
    • Temporal lobe is situated in the middle bottom of the brain
    • Occipital lobe is located at the back of the head, bordering the parieto-occipital sulcus
    • Sulci are shallow depressions, and gyri are elevated ridges that increase the surface area of the cortex

    Functional Areas of the Cerebrum

    • Each hemisphere receives sensory information from the opposite side of the body and sends motor commands to the opposite side
    • Motor cortices, located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe, direct voluntary movements
    • Primary sensory cortex, located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe, receives somatic sensory information (e.g., touch, pressure, pain, temperature)
    • Special sensory cortices include the visual cortex (occipital lobe), auditory cortex (temporal lobe), olfactory cortex (temporal lobe), and gustatory cortex (frontal lobe)
    • Association areas are located adjacent to sensory and motor areas, coordinating learned movements and interpreting sensory information

    Higher Order Centres (Association Areas)

    • Integrative centers receive input from multiple association areas
    • They coordinate complex motor or analytical activities, including speech and pre-frontal cortex functions

    General Interpretive Area (GIA)

    • Also known as Wernicke's area, typically found in the left hemisphere
    • Receives information from all sensory association areas
    • Coordinates access to complex visual and auditory memories

    Hemispheric Lateralization

    • The dominant hemisphere (usually the left) handles language-related tasks (e.g., speech, writing, mathematics)
    • The non-dominant hemisphere is involved in spatial visualization and analysis

    Basal Nuclei (Cerebral Nuclei)

    • Masses of gray matter embedded in the white matter of the cerebrum
    • Involved in subconscious control of skeletal muscle tone and coordination of learned movement patterns

    Limbic System

    • Functional group of tracts between the cerebrum and diencephalon
    • Establishes emotional states, facilitates memory storage and retrieval & motivates actions

    Diencephalon

    • Integrates sensory information and motor commands
    • Consists of the epithalamus, thalamus, and hypothalamus

    Epithalamus

    • Forms the root of the diencephalon
    • Anterior part contains choroid plexus
    • Posterior part contains pineal gland (melatonin)

    Thalamus

    • Round mass of thalamic nuclei
    • Relay point for sensory information (except smell)

    Hypothalamus

    • Located below the thalamus, above the pituitary gland
    • Contains important control and integrative centers
    • Regulates autonomic functions, endocrine system, and emotional responses
    • Controls body temperature and circadian cycles

    Brain Stem

    • Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
    • Connects the brain to the spinal cord
    • Contains autonomic centers (e.g., respiratory, vasomotor)
    • Includes relay centers for sensory and motor pathways

    Cerebellum

    • Second largest part of the brain
    • Has two hemispheres connected by the vermis
    • Involved in adjusting postural muscles, maintaining balance, and coordinating and smoothing voluntary and involuntary movements

    The Meninges

    • Three layers of protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater):
    • Protects and supports the brain and spinal cord
    • Contains cerebrospinal fluid for cushioning

    Ventricles of the Brain

    • Four internal cavities containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
    • Interconnected channels

    Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

    • Clear, watery fluid surrounding CNS
    • Produced by choroid plexuses in the ventricles
    • Circulates through the ventricles and subarachnoid space
    • Provides cushioning and protection

    Blood Supply of the Brain

    • Highly active organ supplied by internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries

    Spinal Cord

    • Conus medullaris
    • Cauda equina
    • Consist of 31 segments (8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal)

    Spinal Cord Structure

    • Posterior median sulcus
    • Anterior median fissure
    • Central canal filled with CSF

    Spinal Segments

    • Dorsal roots contain sensory axons
    • Dorsal root ganglia contain sensory neuron cell bodies
    • Ventral roots contain motor axons
    • Spinal nerves are formed by the fusion of dorsal and ventral roots

    Nerve Plexuses

    • Networks of major nerve trunks
    • Cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral (lumbosacral) plexuses

    Reflexes

    • Rapid, automatic motor responses to stimuli
    • Usually involve a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, processing within the CNS, a motor neuron, and an effector
    • Simple (monosynaptic) or complex (polysynaptic) reflexes

    Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

    • Controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration
    • Has two divisions: sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest)

    Ascending and Descending Pathways

    • Ascending pathways carry sensory information to the brain
    • Descending pathways carry motor commands from the brain to the body

    Circle of Willis

    • Arterial ring on the ventral surface of the brain
    • Connects internal carotid and vertebrobasilar systems
    • Provides alternative routes for blood flow

    Venous Drainage of the Brain

    • Veins drain into dural venous sinuses and eventually into the internal jugular veins.

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