Anatomy of the nervous system Flashcards
what is the function of the nervous system ?
extensive network of specialized cells that enables the body to react to continuous changes to its internal or external environments
how many connections does the nervous system have ?
100 trillion connections
structurally , what does the CNS system consist of ?
brain and spinal cord
what does the peripheral nervous system consist of ?
remainder of the nervous system outside of the CNS
what is the role of the CNS ?
acts as a control centre, sending and receiving info to and from muscles , glands and organs through peripheral nervous system
what is the function of nerve cells/ neurons ?
infomation processing and signalling elements
what are glial cells ?
supports neurons
name the four types of CNS glial cells
- astrocyte cells
- ependymal cells
- microglial cells
- oligodendrocyte cells
what is the function of oligodendrocyte cells ?
- myelinates and insulates CNS axons
- allows faster action potential propagation along axons in the CNS
What is the function of microglial cells ?
- Phagocytic cells that move through the CNS
- protects the CNS by engulfing infectious agents and other potential harmful substances
what is the function of astrocyte cells ?
- helps form the blood - brain barrier
- regulates interstitial fluid composition
what is function of ependymal cells ?
- lines ventricles of brain and central canal of spinal cord
- assists in production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid
name the two PNS glial cells
- satelite cells
- neurolemmocyte cells
what is the function of the satellite cell ?
- electrically insulates PNS cell bodies
- regulates nutrient and waste exchange for cell bodies in ganglia
what is functions of neurolemmocyte cells ?
- surrounds and insulates PNS axons and myelinate those having large diameters
- allows for faster action potential propagation along an axon in the PNS
What are the major divisions of the brain ?
forebrain
midbrain
hindbrain
what is in the forebrain ?
cerebrum
thalamus
hypothalamus
pituitary gland
what does cerebrum do ?
executive decisions, intellect , memory and movement
what does the thalamus do ?
sensory relay and processing
what does the hypothalamus ?
emotion , hormone control
what does the pituitary gland do ?
hormone regulation
what does the midbrain do ?
relay centre for auditory/ visual pathways, controls eye movement
what does the hindbrain contain ?
cerebellum
PONS
medulla oblongta
what does cerebellum do ?
posture , balance and equilibrium
what does PONS and medulla oblongta do ?
relay centre , visceral function regulation
what are gyrus in the brain ?
folds of the cerebral surface
what are the sulcus in the brain ?
grooves between gyri
what are fissure in the brain ?
a deep groove
what are the three membranous layers outside of the brain ?
pia mater
arachnoid mater
dura mater
what fluid protects the CNS ?
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
A collection of neuron cell bodies in the CNS is called ?
nucleus
A collection of nerve cells bodies in the PNS is called ?
ganglia
A bundle of nerve fibres (axon) within the CNS connecting neighboring or distance nuclei of the cerebral cortex is called ?
tract
A bundle of nerve fibres within the PNS is called ?
nerve
how many pairs of spinal nerves are there ?
31 pairs
what are the 5 types of spinal nerves and how many are there of each ?
-8 cervical
-12 thoracic
-5 lumbar
-5 sacral
-1 coccygeal
how many pairs of cranial nerves are there ?
12 pairs
how is the structure of nerves organzied in the PNS ?
Nerves that connect the CNS with peripheral structures
what is the autonomic nervous system ?
operates without conscious control
eg breathing , heart rate
what is the sympathetic nervous system ?
fight flight or fright
activated in exercise excitement and emergencies
what is the parasympathetic nervous system ?
rest and digest
concerned with conserving energy
