1 Structure of the NS Flashcards
Q: What does “anterior” or “rostral” refer to in the nervous system?
A: Anterior or rostral refers to the front of the nervous system.
Q: What does “posterior” or “caudal” mean in the context of the nervous system?
A: Posterior or caudal means the back of the nervous system.
Q: In the nervous system, what does “dorsal” signify?
A: Dorsal signifies the top of the nervous system.
Q: What does “ventral” indicate in the nervous system?
A: Ventral indicates the bottom of the nervous system.
Q: What is the meaning of “lateral” in terms of nervous system directions?
A: Lateral means toward the side of the nervous system.
Q: Define “medial” in the context of the nervous system.
A: Medial means toward the middle of the nervous system.
Q: What does “ipsilateral” refer to in the nervous system?
A: Ipsilateral refers to the same side of the body or brain.
Q: What does “contralateral” mean in the context of the nervous system?
A: Contralateral means the opposite side of the body or brain.
Q: What is a transverse section in brain slicing?
A: A transverse section is a cut at a right angle to the neuraxis.
Q: Define a sagittal section in brain slicing.
A: A sagittal section is a cut that is parallel to the neuraxis and perpendicular to the ground.
Q: What is a horizontal section in brain slicing?
A: A horizontal section is a cut that is parallel to the ground.
Q: What constitutes the central nervous system (CNS)?
A: The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Q: What makes up the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
A: The PNS consists of cranial and spinal nerves.
Q: What is the weight of the brain?
A: The brain weighs approximately 1400 grams.
Q: What percentage of the body’s weight does the brain constitute?
A: The brain constitutes about 2% of the body’s weight.
Q: How does the function of different areas of the brain compare to that of the liver?
A: Unlike the liver, where any given area performs the same function as another, different areas of the brain support different functions.
Q: What are the protective layers surrounding the brain?
A: The protective layers surrounding the brain are the meninges.
Q: Describe the dura mater.
A: The dura mater is the tough and flexible outermost layer of the meninges.
Q: What is the arachnoid layer of the meninges?
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.
Q: What is the pia mater?
A: The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges that adheres closely to the surface of the brain.
Q: What is the subarachnoid space?
A: The subarachnoid space is the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater, filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Q: Why is the brain considered the most protected organ?
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.
Q: How much of the body’s blood supply does the brain utilize?
A: The brain utilizes about 20% of the body’s blood supply.
Q: What are the four ventricles of the brain?
A: The four ventricles of the brain are:
Lateral ventricles
Third ventricle
Cerebral aqueduct
Fourth ventricle
Q: What fills the ventricles of the brain?
A: The ventricles of the brain are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).