Anatomy - CNS Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 4 divisions of the Brain?

A

Cerebrum, Diencephalon, Brainstem, Cerebellum

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2
Q

What is the Function of the Cerebrum?

A

Higher cognitive functions, sensory perception, voluntary motor actions, and emotions

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3
Q

What is the Function of the Diencephalon?

A

Includes the thalamus (sensory relay), hypothalamus (homeostasis and endocrine control), and epithalamus (sleep/wake cycle).

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4
Q

What is the Function of the Brainstem?

A

Basic life functions like heart rate, breathing, and reflexes.

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5
Q

What is the Function of the Cerebellum?

A

Balance, fine motor movements (smaller scale movements such as typing or writing)

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6
Q

What parts of the brain does the Brainstem consist of?

A

Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata

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7
Q

What is White Matter & Where is it Located?

A

Contains myelinated axons for transmitting signals.
Found deep in the brain (beneath gray matter) and in the outer spinal cord.

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8
Q

What is Grey Matter & Where is it Located?

A

Contains neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.
Found on the surface of the brain (cerebral cortex) and in the inner spinal cord.

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9
Q

Why do we have Gyri and Sulci?

A

Increase the surface area of the cerebral cortex, allowing more neurons to fit in the limited space of the skull.
This ENHANCES cognitive processing.

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10
Q

What is the function of cerebrum gray matter areas?

A

Motor Areas: Control voluntary movements
(ex: Primary Motor Cortex).
Sensory Areas: Interpret sensory information
(ex: Primary Somatosensory Cortex).
Association Areas: Integrate and interpret information
(ex: Prefrontal Cortex for decision-making).

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11
Q

What is the Primary Motor Cortex?

A

Controls voluntary movements of specific body parts.

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12
Q

What is the Primary Somatosensory Cortex?

A

Processes sensory input from specific body parts.

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13
Q

What steps and areas are involved in carrying out a motor action?

A
  1. Basal Nuclei: Initiate and regulate movement.
  2. Motor Cortex: Sends commands to execute movements.
  3. Cerebellum: Refines movements for precision and balance.
  4. Spinal Cord: Transmits signals to peripheral nerves.
  5. Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ): Motor neurons release acetylcholine, causing muscle contraction.
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14
Q

What is the function of the Basal Nuclei?

A

Regulate voluntary motor movements

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15
Q

What is the function of the Limbic System?

A

Involved in emotions, memory, and behavior.

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16
Q

What is the function of the Thalamus?

A

Acts as a sensory relay station, receiving sensory input (except smell) and sending it to the cerebral cortex.

17
Q

What is the function of the Hypothalamus?

A

Regulates homeostasis by controlling body temperature, hunger, thirst, and the endocrine system (via the pituitary gland).

18
Q

What is the function of the Meninges?

A

Three protective layers that protect and are around the brain and spinal cord:

Dura Mater: Tough outer layer.
Arachnoid Mater: Middle layer with a web-like structure.
Pia Mater: Thin inner layer directly covering the brain and spinal cord.

19
Q

What is the function of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)?

A

Cushions the brain and spinal cord, provides nutrients, and removes waste.

20
Q

What is the function of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)?

A

Protects the brain by restricting harmful substances from entering while allowing essential nutrients to pass.

21
Q

Primary Sensory Area vs Association Area

A

Primary Sensory Area receives and processes initial sensory input from the body.
Association Area interprets and integrates THAT INPUT to give it meaning.

22
Q

What is the Amygdala? (Substructure of the Cerebrum)

A

Plays a role in behavioral/emotional expression.

23
Q

What is the Hippocampus? (Substructure of the Cerebrum)

A

In charge of memories.

24
Q

What is the Pons? (Part of Brainstem)

A

Key role in regulating breathing, relaying signals between the cerebrum and cerebellum, and aids in sensory analysis.

25
Q

What is the Midbrain? (Part of Brainstem)

A

Found in uppermost part of the brainstem
Involved in Reflexes and movement coordination

26
Q

How is a signal sent to tell a muscle in your hand to contract?

A
  1. Brain: The motor signal starts in the primary motor cortex.
  2. Spinal Cord: It travels down the spinal cord to a motor neuron.
  3. Peripheral Nerve: The signal reaches the peripheral nerve that innervates the muscles of the hand.
  4. Muscle: The motor neuron releases acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which binds to to the muscle fiber, triggering an action potential, causing the muscle to contract.