Neuroscience Chapter 11 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Describe the location of cerebrospinal fluid within the meninges.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is found between the arachnoid and pia mater in the subarachnoid space.

Describe the location of the ventricles of the brain.

The lateral ventricles extend into the cerebral hemispheres; the third ventricle is midline below the corpus callosum; the fourth ventricle is in front of the cerebellum.

Describe the structure of the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is a long slender column of nerve fibers that extends from the foramen magnum to near the lumbar vertebrae, consisting of thirty-one segments.

Describe a withdrawal reflex.

It is a reflex response where painful stimuli cause flexor muscles to contract, withdrawing the affected part while inhibiting extensor muscles. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the consequences of nerve fibers crossing over.

Crossing over leads to impulses from one side of the body being received and controlled by the opposite side of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the location and function of the primary motor areas of the cortex.

They are located in the frontal lobes along the anterior wall of the central gyrus, controlling voluntary muscles via large pyramidal cells. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the function of the corpus callosum.

It allows for sensory information sharing and coordination of motor control between the dominant and nondominant hemispheres. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between short-term and long-term memory.

Short-term memory is electrical and temporary, while long-term memory alters neuron structure for lasting information retention. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the location and function of the basal nuclei.

The basal nuclei are masses of gray matter deep in the cerebral hemispheres, responsible for inhibiting motor functions and producing dopamine. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the pons and its functions.

The pons is a rounded bulge on the brain stem, relaying impulses between the cerebrum and the cerebellum, and regulating breathing with the medulla. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the medulla oblongata and its functions.

The medulla oblongata is an extension of the spinal cord that regulates vital autonomic functions like heart rate and breathing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

CSF is located between the arachnoid and pia mater in the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord.

Ventricles of the Brain

Lateral ventricles (first and second) extend into the cerebral hemispheres, occupying parts of the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes.
The third ventricle is centrally located below the corpus callosum and connects to lateral ventricles.
The fourth ventricle is positioned in the brainstem, anterior to the cerebellum, and connects to the subarachnoid space via the cerebral aqueduct.

Structure of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord starts at the foramen magnum and extends down to the first and second lumbar vertebrae.
Composed of thirty-one segments, each giving rise to pairs of spinal nerves that link the body to the central nervous system (CNS).

Withdrawal Reflex

Painful stimuli activate skin receptors, sending impulses to spinal interneurons.
The reflex center triggers flexor muscles to withdraw the affected part and inhibits extensor muscles for effective response.
The crossed extensor reflex simultaneously contracts extensor muscles of the opposite limb.

Nerve Fibers Crossing Over

Crossing over allows motor and sensory impulses from one side of the body to be processed by the opposite side of the brain.

Primary Motor Areas of the Cortex

Located in the frontal lobes along the anterior wall of the central gyrus.
Large pyramidal cells facilitate nerve impulses to voluntary muscles via corticospinal tracts.
Different regions control specific muscle groups: upper parts for legs/thighs, middle for shoulders/arms, lower for head/face/tongue.

Function of the Corpus Callosum

Nerve fibers connect the dominant hemisphere to the nondominant hemisphere, facilitating sensory information sharing for decision-making.
Enables the dominant hemisphere to control motor functions of the nondominant hemisphere.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Memory

Short-term memories are electrical, maintained through neuronal stimulation as long as the circuit is active.
Long-term memories change neuron structure/function, enhancing synaptic transmission and lasting for years with stable synaptic patterns.

Basal Nuclei

Comprised of gray matter masses (caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus) located deep within the cerebral hemispheres.
Primarily responsible for producing dopamine, inhibiting motor functions, and controlling specific muscular activities.

Pons

A bulge on the inferior brain stem that separates the midbrain from the medulla oblongata.
The dorsal portion relays impulses between the medulla and the cerebrum, while the ventral portion connects the cerebrum to the cerebellum.
Plays a role in relaying peripheral nerve impulses to higher brain centers and regulating breathing rate and depth.

Medulla Oblongata

An enlargement at the superior end of the spinal cord, connecting to it.
Functions involve autonomic control of vital life-sustaining processes.

Description

Test your knowledge on the location of cerebrospinal fluid and the ventricles of the brain with these flashcards from Chapter 11. This quiz is designed to reinforce important concepts in neuroanatomy and enhance your understanding of the central nervous system.