ANPH - Central Nervous System CH 20 Flashcards
What functions are associated with the parietal lobe?
movement
orientation
recognition
perception of stimuli
What are three main components of the hindbrain?
Medulla
Pons
Cerebellum
What are some functions associated with the cerebellum?
Fine motor control
Balance and equilibrium
Muscle tone
What functions are associated with the frontal lobe?
reasoning planning parts of speech movement problem solving decision making
What 3 functions are associated with the temporal lobe?
perception/recognition of auditory stimuli
memory
speech
What functions are associated with the pons?
bladder control eye movement facial expressions hearing posture respiration sleep swallowing taste
What are some functions supported by the limbic system?
emotion behavior motivation long-term memory olfaction (smell)
What is the function of the thalamus?
“Command center” of the brain
Processes and relays sensory information
What is the difference between a gyrus and a sulcus?
A gyrus is a bump in the brain, a sulcus is a groove.
What is the cerebral cortex?
The cerebral cortex is the brain’s outer layer of gray matter. It is comprised of four main lobes.
What function is associated with the occipital lobe?
visual processing
What are the two main components of the brain stem?
midbrain
hindbrain
What are some functions associated with the medulla?
breathing
heart rate
blood pressure
What are some functions associated with the cerebellum?
Fine motor control
Balance and equilibrium
Muscle tone
a neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter is any chemical that diffuses across a neural synapse, binds to receptors on a postsynaptic neuron, and causes changes in the cell’s composition and/or behavior.
There are two types of neurotransmitters, excitatory and inhibitory.
an inhibitory neurotransmitter
An inhibitory neurotransmitter makes the postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire and propagate an action potential.
an excitatory neurotransmitter
An excitatory neurotransmitter makes the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire and propagate an action potential.
How many neurotransmitters have been identified in the human nervous system?
More than 100.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
serotonin
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite, and memory.
Serotonin is derived from the amino acid tryptophan.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
dopamine
Dopamine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in mood, reward circuits, sleep, pleasure, and voluntary movement.
Dopamine plays a major role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is involved in the body’s fight-or-flight response and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system; it acts to increase heart rate and blood pressure, trigger the release of glucose, and increase blood flow to skeletal muscles.
Norepinephrine is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone, and is commonly referred to as noradrenaline.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
epinephrine
Epinephrine is involved in the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and assists in the body’s fight-or-flight response; it works to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, air passage diameters, and metabolic shifts.
Epinephrine is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter, and is commonly referred to as adrenaline.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is involved in muscle movements of both the autonomic nervous system, where it has an inhibitory effect on heart rate, and the somatic nervous system, where it has an excitatory effect on skeletal muscle action.
Acetylcholine also plays a role in REM sleep.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
glutamate
Glutamate plays a key role in the growth and development of neurons, and is highly involved in cognitive functions like learning and memory.
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate nervous system.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
GABA
GABA, short for gamma-Aminobutyric acid, regulates neuronal excitability, relieves anxiety and induces relaxation, and is also directly involved in the regulation of muscle tone.
GABA is the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
glycine
Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, most commonly in the spinal cord, brain stem, and retina.
When acting as a co-agonist with glutamate, glycine is an excitatory neurotransmitter.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
beta-endorphin
Beta-endorphin activates opioid receptors, resulting in significant pain relief and relaxation, particularly after physical trauma.
Opioid drugs, such as morphine, bind to the opioid receptors and produce similar effects to beta-endorphin.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
substance P
Substance P is closely associated with the perception of pain and the body’s inflammatory response, in which it serves as a vasodilator.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
vasopressin
As a neurotransmitter, vasopressin deals with neurological functions such as social bonding and memory.
Vasopressin more commonly functions as a hormone, in which its major job is to increase water retention in the kidneys.
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
histamine
Histamine has a major role in the regulation of sleep and the process of forgetting.
The cells that fire histamine are most active during wakefulness and slowest during sleep.
Histamine is also involved in the body’s inflammatory response, but does not act as a neurotransmitter in this capacity.
–
Describe the function of the following neurotransmitter:
oxytocin
As a neurotransmitter, oxytocin encourages social bonding and maternal behavior.
Oxytocin more commonly functions as a hormone, in which it is most notably involved in uterine contractions during labor.
What are the two sub-systems of the nervous system?
The two sub-systems of the nervous system are:
The central nervous system
The peripheral nervous system
What are the physical components of the central nervous system (CNS)?
The brain and the spinal cord.
–
What is the physical component of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
All of the body’s nerves.
The peripheral nervous system is further sub-divided into the somatic and the autonomic nervous systems.
–
sub-system of the PNS responsible for the voluntary control of muscle functioning and the detection of stimuli through the body’s sensory receptors.
the somatic nervous system
sub-system of the PNS responsible for subconscious, involuntary, visceral functions that maintain the body at a homeostatic state.
the autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system coordinates activities such as digestion, heart rate, respiratory rate, salivation, excretion of urine, secretion of hormones, and sexual arousal.
the sympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a sub-system of the autonomic nervous system that acts to prepare the body for physical or mental activity, particularly in the fight-or-flight response.
The SNS responds to major stressors by increasing heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and perspiration, dilating pupils and bronchi, and decreasing digestion. T/F
True
the parasympathetic nervous system
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is a sub-system of the autonomic nervous system responsible for “rest and digest”, or the overall slow-down of the body’s functions in order to conserve energy.
The only body functions that the _____ augments are digestion and sexual arousal.
the parasympathetic nervous system
What two types of cells comprise the nervous system?
neurons and glial cells
a neuron
A neuron is the electrically excitable cell that comprises the nervous system and functions to process and transmit impulses through the body.
A neuron contains a cell body, dentrites, which gather and carry impulses to the cell body, and an axon, which carries information away from the cell body and towards other cells.
a glial cell
A glial cell functions to support the neuronal cells within the nervous system by providing nourishment, protection, and physical support.
There are many different types of glial cells, all with specific functions and locations.
Neurons could not function, or survive, without the support of glial cells.
a synapse
A synapse is the location where the axon of one neuron connects to the dendrite of the next.
The gap between neurons is called the synaptic gap, or cleft.
Synapses can either be chemical or electrical in nature.T/F
True
__________is a synapse in which the neurons are directly touching and are connected by small junctions that allow nerve impulses to pass directly from one neuron to the other.
an electrical synapse
Electrical synapses are more common as chemical synapses.
False - Electrical synapses are not as common as chemical synapses.
a chemical synapse
A chemical synapse is a synapse in which the neurons do not actually touch, and instead communicate by sending chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that bridge the gap between them.
Chemical synapses are more common than electrical synapses. T/F
True
a neurotransmitter
A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that allows for the communication between neurons in a chemical synapse.
Neurotransmitters are released from the axon of the presynaptic neuron, diffuse across the synaptic gap, and attach to specific receptors on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron. T/F
True
the technical term used to describe a nerve impulse.
an action potential
Action potentials consist of a brief, reversible depolarization of the neuron. The depolarization then travels along the axon, allowing for the propagation of the impulse. T/F
False -
Action potentials consist of a brief, reversible POLARIZATION of the neuron. The polarization then travels along the axon, allowing for the propagation of the impulse.
fat-like insulating sheath, made by glial cells, that surrounds the axons of neurons and dramatically increases the speed of the action potential propagation.
myelin
How many pairs of external brain lobes are there on the surface of the human brain?
4
There is a fifth lobe, called the insular lobe, but it cannot be seen from the surface. T/F
True
A small part of the left frontal lobe, called Strocca’s area, is responsible for converting thoughts into words T/F.
False - A small part of the left frontal lobe, called BROCCA’s area, is responsible for converting thoughts into words.
manages sensory perceptions, gives meaning to visual and auditory signals by associating them with past memories, and allows for the understanding of written and spoken language.
the parietal lobe of the brain
responsible for distinguishing between sounds, interpreting and understanding spoken language, and forming and recalling memories.
the temporal lobe of the brain
also known as the visual cortex, is responsible for visually recognizing and identifying objects, and analyzing visual information.
–
the occipital lobe of the brain
believed to be partly responsible for emotion, states of consciousness, and regulation of the body’s homeostatic states.
the insular lobe of the brain
The insular lobe has functions as diverse as assisting with motor control, perception, interpersonal experience, cognitive functioning, and self-awareness.T/F
True
functions as a relay station for all information entering and leaving the brain.
the thalamus of the brain
The thalamus passes on sensory information to the cortex, determines which pieces of information should reach consciousness, and exchanges motor information from the cortex to lower parts of the brain.T/F
True
responsible for many of the body’s important homeostatic functions such as body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.
the hypothalamus of the brain
The hypothalamus also connects the nervous system with the endocrine system via the Medulla, which sits directly below the hypothalamus. T/F
False - The hypothalamus also connects the nervous system with the endocrine system via the PITUITARY GLAND, which sits directly below the hypothalamus.
external lobes of the brain, as well as the insular lobe, and therefore is responsible for all of their functions, including sensory and motor control, reasoning, planning, personality, language, memory, emotions, and consciousness.
the cortex of the brain
responsible for controlling sensations, and initiating and regulating movements.
the basal ganglia of the brain
the amygdala of the brain
The amygdala is involved with learning, memory, and the regulation of emotions, especially fear and aggressive reactions.
the relay station for memories, assisting in encoding information for long-term memory storage, and retrieving these memories for recall.
the hippocampus of the brain
The hippocampus is connected to all parts of the cortex, enabling memories to maintain contextual relevance involving no more than one sense. T/F
False - The hippocampus is connected to all parts of the cortex, enabling memories to maintain contextual relevance involving MORE than one sense.
What three structures are considered part of the brainstem?
The medulla oblongata
The pons
The midbrain
regulates basics life functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, as well as controls reflexes such as swallowing, sneezing, and vomiting.
the medulla oblongata of the brain
the major relay station between the forebrain and the cerebellum, and controls body functions, including respiration and sleep.
the pons of the brain
structure of the pons that is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, attentiveness, and concentration.
the reticular formation of the brain
The Cortex serves as a filter for incoming stimuli in which it removes irrelevent background stimuli, allowing for better concentration in the midst of distractions. T/F
False - The RETICULAR FORMATION serves as a filter for incoming stimuli in which it removes irrelevent background stimuli, allowing for better concentration in the midst of distractions.
responsible for many different functions including motor control, vision, hearing, temperature regulation, and alertness.
the midbrain of the brain
functions to relay sensory information from the body up to the brain, and transmit motor information from the brain to the muscles of the body.
the spinal cord
responsible for balance, muscle tone, and posture, as well as the ability to make muscle movements smooth and precise.
the cerebellum of the brain
the central connection point between the two hemispheres of the brain and facilitates inter-hemispheric communication.
the corpus callosum of the brain
deals with the emotional reactions that influence the functions of the autonomic nervous system, including adjusting blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
–
the cingulate gyrus of the brain
involved with recognition memory, or the memory of events, people, and objects. They also seem to play a role in associating smells with memory.
the mammillary bodies of the brain
involved in learning, memory, emotions, and olfaction.
the limbic system of the brain
The limbic system is composed of many structures including, but not limited to, the amygdala, the hippocampus, the cingulate gyrus, and the mammillary bodies. T/F
True
three thin, yet strong, membranes that surround and protect the brain.
the meninges of the brain
(CSF)
cerebrospinal fluid
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is
a circulating fluid that cushions and protects the brain. The CSF circulates through the ventricles and between layers of meninges, allowing the brain to “float” and reduce the pressure on the base of the brain.
CSF is made by the choroid plexus of the ventricles and is released at the base of the brain. T/F
–
True
From superficial to deep, which is the correct order of location of the meninges?
a. dura mater, arachnoid membrane, pia mater
b. pia mater, arachnoid membrane, dura mater
c. arachnoid membrane, pia mater, dura mater
d. dura mater, pia mater, arachnoid membrane
a. dura mater, arachnoid membrane, pia mater
The falx cerebri separates the:
a. two hemispheres of the cerebellum.
b. cerebellum from the cerebrum.
c. two hemispheres of the cerebrum.
d. dura mater from the arachnoid.
c. two hemispheres of the cerebrum.
The cerebrospinal fluid resides in the:
a. epidural space.
b. subarachnoid space.
c. subdural space.
d. piarachnoid space.
b. subarachnoid space.
The layer of the meninges that serves as the inner periosteum of the cranial bones is the:
a. pia mater.
b. arachnoid membrane.
c. dura mater.
dura mater.
Formation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs mainly in the:
a. cerebral aqueduct.
b. superior sagittal sinus.
c. choroid plexuses.
d. median foramen.
c. choroid plexuses.
The lateral ventricles are located within the:
a. cerebrum.
b. cerebellum.
c. spinal cord.
d. none of the above.
a. cerebrum.
CSF is absorbed into the venous blood via the:
a. cisterna magna.
b. choroid plexus.
c. falx cerebri.
d. arachnoid villus.
d. arachnoid villus.
CSF is not found in the:
a. central canal.
b. subarachnoid space.
c. third ventricle.
d. subdural space.
d. subdural space.
The four large, fluid-filled spaces within the brain are called ventricles.
True or False
True
Interference of CSF circulation, causing the fluid to accumulate in the subarachnoid space, is referred to as external hydrocephalus.
True or False
False
transmits impulses of crude touch and pressure
a. lateral spinothalamic tract
b. anterior spinothalamic tract
c. fasciculi gracilis and cuneatus
d. spinocerebellar tract
b. anterior spinothalamic tract
transmits impulses of subconscious kinesthesia
a. lateral spinothalamic tract
b. anterior spinothalamic tract
c. fasciculi gracilis and cuneatus
d. spinocerebellar tract
d. spinocerebellar tract
______ transmits impulses of crude touch, pain, and temperature
a. lateral spinothalamic tract
b. anterior spinothalamic tract
c. fasciculi gracilis and cuneatus
d. spinocerebellar tract
a. lateral spinothalamic tract
______ transmits impulses of discriminating touch and kinesthesia
a. lateral spinothalamic tract
b. anterior spinothalamic tract
c. fasciculi gracilis and cuneatus
d. spinocerebellar tract
c. fasciculi gracilis and cuneatus
_____ transmits impulses that control voluntary movement of muscles on the same side of the body
a. lateral corticospinal tract
b. anterior corticospinal tract
c. reticulospinal tract
d. tectospinal tract
e. rubrospinal tract
b. anterior corticospinal tract
_____ facilitates head and neck movement related to visual reflexes
a. lateral corticospinal tract
b. anterior corticospinal tract
c. reticulospinal tract
d. tectospinal tract
e. rubrospinal tract
d. tectospinal tract
______ helps maintain posture during skeletal muscle movements
a. lateral corticospinal tract
b. anterior corticospinal tract
c. reticulospinal tract
d. tectospinal tract
e. rubrospinal tract
c. reticulospinal tract
______ transmits impulses that control voluntary movement of muscles on the opposite side of the body
a. lateral corticospinal tract
b. anterior corticospinal tract
c. reticulospinal tract
d. tectospinal tract
e. rubrospinal tract
a. lateral corticospinal tract
______ transmits impulses that coordinate body movements and maintenance of posture
a. lateral corticospinal tract
b. anterior corticospinal tract
c. reticulospinal tract
d. tectospinal tract
e. rubrospinal tract
e. rubrospinal tract
Which of the following is not a part of the brain stem?
a. medulla oblongata
b. hypothalamus
c. pons
d. midbrain
b. hypothalamus
Which of the following is not a component of the midbrain?
a. cerebral peduncles
b. corpora quadrigemina
c. superior colliculi
d. all of the above are parts of the midbrain
d. all of the above are parts of the midbrain
The internal white matter of the cerebellum is the:
a. arbor vitae.
b. vermis.
c. peduncle.
d. none of the above.
a. arbor vitae
The part of the brain that secretes releasing hormones is the:
a. thalamus.
b. hypothalamus.
c. medulla.
d. pons.
b. hypothalamus.
Regulation of the body’s biological clock and production of melatonin is performed by the:
a. pons.
b. thalamus.
c. cerebellum.
d. pineal body.
d. pineal body.
The part of the cerebrum integral to consciousness is:
a. Broca’s area.
b. the reticular activating system.
c. the limbic system.
d. the insula.
b. the reticular activating system.
Commissural tracts compose the:
a. corpus callosum.
b. mammillary body.
c. hippocampus.
d. central sulcus.
a. corpus callosum
Emotions involve the functioning of the cerebrum’s:
a. Broca’s area.
b. limbic system.
c. reticular activating system.
d. caudate nucleus.
b. limbic system.
The type of brain wave associated with deep sleep is:
a. delta.
b. beta.
c. alpha.
d. theta.
a. delta.
The cerebellum is the second largest portion of the brain.
True or False
True
Functions of the cerebellum include language, memory, and emotions.
True or False
. False
The vomiting reflex is mediated by the cerebellum.
True or False
. False
The shallow grooves of the cerebrum are called sulci.
True or False
True
The islands of gray matter inside the hemispheres of the cerebrum are called the basal ganglia.
True or False
True
Which of the following is not a pathway that produces sensations of touch and pressure?
a. medial lemniscal system
b. spinothalamic pathway
c. rubrospinal tract
d. all of the above are pathways that produce sensations of touch and pressure.
c. rubrospinal tract
Axons from the anterior gray horn of the spinal cord terminate in the:
a. cerebral cortex.
b. sensory receptors.
c. skeletal muscle.
d. none of the above.
c. skeletal muscle.
Absence of reflexes is indicative of injury to:
a. lower motor neurons.
b. upper motor neurons.
c. lower sensory neurons.
d. upper sensory neurons.
a. lower motor neurons.
Poliomyelitis results in flaccid paralysis via destruction of anterior horn neurons.
True or False
True
Extrapyramidal tracts are very simple pyramidal tracts.
True or False
False
an inherited form of dementia in which the symptoms first appear between 30 and 40 years of age
a. Alzheimer disease
b. cerebrovascular accident
c. epilepsy
d. Huntington disease
d. Huntington disease
______a hemorrhage from or cessation of blood flow to the cerebral vessels, which destroys neurons
a. Alzheimer disease
b. cerebrovascular accident
c. epilepsy
d. Huntington disease
b. cerebrovascular accident
______ a degenerative disease that affects memory, generally developing during the middle to late adult years and causing characteristic lesions in the cortex
a. Alzheimer disease
b. cerebrovascular accident
c. epilepsy
d. Huntington disease
a. Alzheimer disease
_______ recurring or chronic seizure episodes involving sudden bursts of abnormal neuron activity
a. Alzheimer disease
b. cerebrovascular accident
c. epilepsy
d. Huntington disease
c. epilepsy
Baby Dania was born with an excessive accumulation of CSF in the ventricles. A catheter was placed in the ventricle and the fluid was drained by means of a shunt into the circulating bloodstream.
Question a. What condition does this medical history describe?
(a) Hydrocephalus
Julius is exhibiting loss of memory, increasingly limited attention span, deteriorating motor control, and changes in his personality.
Question a. What is the general term that can be used to describe his condition?
Question b. What specific condition may he be suffering from?
(a) dementia
(b) Alzheimer disease
The portion of the brain stem that joins the spinal cord to the brain is the:
a. pons.
b. cerebellum.
c. diencephalon.
d. hypothalamus.
e. medulla.
e. medulla.
Which one of the following is not a function of the brain stem?
a. conducts sensory impulses from the spinal cord to the higher centers of the brain
b. conducts motor impulses from the cerebrum to the spinal cord
c. controls heartbeat, respiration, and blood vessel diameter
d. contains centers for speech and memory
d. contains centers for speech and memory
Which one of the following is not part of the diencephalon?
a. cerebrum
b. thalamus
c. hypothalamus
d. pineal gland
. a. cerebrum
Which one of the following parts of the brain helps in the association of sensations with emotions, as well as aiding in the arousal or alerting mechanism?
a. pons
b. hypothalamus
c. cerebellum
d. thalamus
e. none of the above is correct
. d. thalamus
Which one of the following is not a function of the cerebrum?
a. language
b. consciousness
c. memory
d. conscious awareness of sensations
e. all of the above are functions of the cerebrum
e. all of the above are functions of the cerebrum
The area of the cerebrum responsible for the perception of sound lies in the ________ lobe.
a. frontal
b. temporal
c. occipital
d. parietal
b. temporal
Visual perception is located in the ________ lobe.
a. frontal
b. temporal
c. occipital
d. parietal
c. occipital
Which one of the following is not a function of the cerebellum?
a. maintains equilibrium
b. helps produce smooth, coordinated movements
c. helps maintain normal posture
d. associates sensations with emotions
d. associates sensations with emotions
The largest section of the brain is the:
a. cerebellum.
b. pons.
c. cerebrum.
d. midbrain.
c. cerebrum.
Which statement is false?
a. The spinal cord performs two general functions.
b. A lumbar puncture is performed to withdraw CSF.
c. The cardiac, vasomotor, and respiratory control centers are called the vital centers.
d. The meninges end at L1 in a tapered cone called the cauda equina.
d. The meninges end at L1 in a tapered cone called the cauda equina.
Which of the following is not a function of the hypothalamus?
a. major relay station between the cerebral cortex and lower autonomic centers
b. serves as a higher autonomic center
c. plays an essential role in maintaining the waking state
d. regulates voluntary motor functions
e. part of the mechanism for regulating appetite
d. regulates voluntary motor functions
