1 Structure of the NS Flashcards

1
Q

Q: What does “anterior” or “rostral” refer to in the nervous system?

A

A: Anterior or rostral refers to the front of the nervous system.

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2
Q

Q: What does “posterior” or “caudal” mean in the context of the nervous system?

A

A: Posterior or caudal means the back of the nervous system.

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3
Q

Q: In the nervous system, what does “dorsal” signify?

A

A: Dorsal signifies the top of the nervous system.

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4
Q

Q: What does “ventral” indicate in the nervous system?

A

A: Ventral indicates the bottom of the nervous system.

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5
Q

Q: What is the meaning of “lateral” in terms of nervous system directions?

A

A: Lateral means toward the side of the nervous system.

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6
Q

Q: Define “medial” in the context of the nervous system.

A

A: Medial means toward the middle of the nervous system.

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7
Q

Q: What does “ipsilateral” refer to in the nervous system?

A

A: Ipsilateral refers to the same side of the body or brain.

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8
Q

Q: What does “contralateral” mean in the context of the nervous system?

A

A: Contralateral means the opposite side of the body or brain.

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9
Q

Q: What is a transverse section in brain slicing?

A

A: A transverse section is a cut at a right angle to the neuraxis.

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10
Q

Q: Define a sagittal section in brain slicing.

A

A: A sagittal section is a cut that is parallel to the neuraxis and perpendicular to the ground.

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11
Q

Q: What is a horizontal section in brain slicing?

A

A: A horizontal section is a cut that is parallel to the ground.

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12
Q

Q: What constitutes the central nervous system (CNS)?

A

A: The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.

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13
Q

Q: What makes up the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

A

A: The PNS consists of cranial and spinal nerves.

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14
Q

Q: What is the weight of the brain?

A

A: The brain weighs approximately 1400 grams.

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15
Q

Q: What percentage of the body’s weight does the brain constitute?

A

A: The brain constitutes about 2% of the body’s weight.

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16
Q

Q: How does the function of different areas of the brain compare to that of the liver?

A

A: Unlike the liver, where any given area performs the same function as another, different areas of the brain support different functions.

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17
Q

Q: What are the protective layers surrounding the brain?

A

A: The protective layers surrounding the brain are the meninges.

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18
Q

Q: Describe the dura mater.

A

A: The dura mater is the tough and flexible outermost layer of the meninges.

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19
Q

Q: What is the arachnoid layer of the meninges?

A

A: The arachnoid layer is the middle layer of the meninges, resembling a sheet of cellophane draped over the brain and not dipping into the valleys of the brain’s contours.

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20
Q

Q: What is the pia mater?

A

A: The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges that adheres closely to the surface of the brain.

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21
Q

Q: What is the subarachnoid space?

A

A: The subarachnoid space is the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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22
Q

Q: Why is the brain considered the most protected organ?

A

A: The brain is considered the most protected organ because it is encased in a tough bony skull and floats in cerebrospinal fluid, providing cushioning and protection against external trauma.

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23
Q

Q: How much of the body’s blood supply does the brain utilize?

A

A: The brain utilizes about 20% of the body’s blood supply.

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24
Q

Q: What are the four ventricles of the brain?

A

A: The four ventricles of the brain are:

Lateral ventricles
Third ventricle
Cerebral aqueduct
Fourth ventricle

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25
Q

Q: What fills the ventricles of the brain?

A

A: The ventricles of the brain are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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26
Q

Q: How is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formed?

A

A: CSF is formed by the choroid plexus within the ventricles of the brain.

27
Q

Q: What is the role of CSF in the brain?

A

A: CSF serves as a watery cushion, circulating in the arachnoid space, ventricles, and central canal of the spinal cord, providing protection and support to the brain and spinal cord.

28
Q

Q: How much does the total volume of CSF turn over in a day?

A

A: The total volume of CSF turns over 3 to 4 times a day.

29
Q

Q: What is the largest subdivision of the brain?

A

A: The largest subdivision of the brain is the forebrain.

30
Q

Q: What are the components of the telencephalon?

A

A: The telencephalon consists of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system.

31
Q

Q: Describe the cerebral cortex.

A

A: The cerebral cortex is a thin, wrinkled layer of tissue covering the brain’s surface, consisting of two hemispheres and primarily composed of grey matter.

32
Q

Q: When does the development of the nervous system begin?

A

A: The development of the nervous system begins around the 18th day after conception.

33
Q

Q: What structure gives rise to the brain and spinal cord during development?

A

A: During development, the neural tube forms, giving rise to the brain and spinal cord.

34
Q

Q: What is the difference between grey matter and white matter in the cerebrum?

A

A: Grey matter in the cerebrum consists of cell bodies of neurons, while white matter consists of axons and dendrites of neurons, forming bundles of “cables” that connect different regions of the brain and spinal cord.

35
Q

Q: How do the two hemispheres of the cerebrum communicate with each other?

A

A: The two hemispheres of the cerebrum communicate through a structure called the corpus callosum.

36
Q

Q: What are the four lobes of the cerebrum?

A

A: The four lobes of the cerebrum are the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

37
Q

Q: What are primary cortices in the cerebrum, and what are their functions?

A

A: Primary cortices in the cerebrum include the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, auditory cortex, and visual cortex. These regions have somatotopic organization and are responsible for processing specific sensory or motor information.

38
Q

Q: Describe the function of the primary motor cortex.

A

A: The primary motor cortex contains neurons that connect to muscles in different regions of the contralateral side of the body, controlling voluntary movements.

39
Q

Q: What is the function of the primary auditory cortex?

A

A: The primary auditory cortex receives auditory information and is involved in processing sound perception.

40
Q

Q: What is the primary somatosensory cortex responsible for?

A

A: The primary somatosensory cortex receives sensory information from the body senses, such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.

41
Q

Q: What does the primary visual cortex do?

A

A: The primary visual cortex receives visual information from the eyes and is involved in processing visual perception.

42
Q

Q: What is a Brodmann area?

A

A: A Brodmann area is a region of the cerebral cortex defined based on its cytoarchitecture, or the structure and organization of cells within it. Brodmann identified 46 areas in the cerebral cortex, each with a distinct number, and many are correlated with specific functions.

43
Q

Q: How are Brodmann areas useful in understanding brain function?

A

A: Brodmann areas provide a map of the cerebral cortex, allowing researchers to correlate specific brain regions with particular functions or cognitive processes.

44
Q

Q: What is the limbic system (telencephalon), and what structures are included in it?

A

A: The limbic system is a set of structures involved in learning, memory, and emotion. It includes the limbic cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, fornix, and mammillary bodies.

45
Q

Q: What are the basal ganglia, and what structures are part of the basal ganglia motor system?

A

A: The basal ganglia are a set of structures involved in processing information for motor movement. Major structures of the basal ganglia motor system include the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus.

46
Q

Q: What is a nucleus in the context of brain anatomy?

A

A: In brain anatomy, a nucleus refers to a group of neurons of similar shape that are functionally related and often located within specific brain regions.

47
Q

Q: What is the main function of the thalamus in the diencephalon?

A

A: The thalamus serves as the main sensory relay for all senses, transmitting sensory information to the cortex for further processing.

48
Q

Q: What role does the hypothalamus play in the brain?

A

A: The hypothalamus is a set of nuclei involved in regulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and controlling the pituitary gland. It plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes, including temperature regulation, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.

49
Q

Q: What are the main components of the midbrain, or mesencephalon?

A

A: The midbrain, or mesencephalon, consists of the tectum and tegmentum. The tectum includes the superior and inferior colliculi, while the tegmentum includes structures involved in motor movement, such as the reticular formation, red nucleus, and substantia nigra.

50
Q

Q: What is the function of the cerebellum in the hindbrain?

A

A: The cerebellum, often referred to as the “mini-brain,” is involved in motor coordination and the smooth execution of movement.

51
Q

Q: What is the role of the pons in the hindbrain?

A

A: The pons is part of the reticular formation and is involved in sleep and arousal. It also serves as a link between the cerebellum and cerebrum.

52
Q

Q: What is the myelencephalon, and what structure does it contain?

A

A: The myelencephalon is a region of the hindbrain that contains the medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is involved in basic life functions, such as regulating heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure.

53
Q

Q: What are the primary components of the spinal cord?

A

A: The primary components of the spinal cord are the dorsal and ventral roots, which communicate with sense organs and muscles below the level of the head.

54
Q

Q: What does the Bell-Magendie Law state?

A

A: The Bell-Magendie Law states that dorsal roots carry sensory information to the CNS (afferent), while ventral roots carry motor information away from the CNS to muscles and glands (efferent).

55
Q

Q: Where is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) located?

A

A: The PNS is located outside of the skull and spine.

56
Q

Q: What are the two main functions of the PNS?

A

A: The PNS brings information to the CNS and carries signals out of the CNS.

57
Q

Q: What are the two main parts of the PNS?

A

A: The two main parts of the PNS are the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

58
Q

Q: What does the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) control?

A

A: The SNS controls the movement of skeletal muscles and transmits somatosensory information to the CNS.

59
Q

Q: What are the components of the SNS?

A

A: The components of the SNS include cranial nerves and spinal nerves.

60
Q

Q: What are the functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

A

A: The ANS regulates smooth muscles, cardiac muscle, and glands.

61
Q

Q: What are the two divisions of the ANS?

A

A: The two divisions of the ANS are the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

62
Q

Q: What is the function of the sympathetic division?

A

A: The sympathetic division prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses, arousal, and the expenditure of energy.

63
Q

Q: What is the function of the parasympathetic division?

A

A: The parasympathetic division promotes “rest and digest” responses, helping the body to relax and restore.