Basics of the CNS Flashcards
What are the basic components of the CNS?
Cerebral Hemispheres
Brainstem and cerebellum
Spinal cord
What are the basic components of the PNS?
Dorsal and ventral roots
Spinal nerves
Peripheral nerves
What is the midbrain important for?
Eye movement and reflex responses to sound and vision
What is the Pons important for?
Feeding and Sleeping
What is the medulla important for?
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory centres are here
- Contains a major motor pathways (medullary pyramids) to drive muscles
What is decussation?
‘Crossing over. ‘
E.g. when motor neurones of the medulla cross sides so neurones of left side innervate the right side of body and visa versa.
What is a sulcus of the brain?
A ‘groove of furrow’ in the brain separating adjacent gyri.
E.g the central sulcus that runs down the middle.
What is a gyrus of the brain?
A ‘ridge or fold’ in the brain.
E.g. the precentral gyrus and the postcentral gyrus.
What is a fissure in the brain?
A large ‘crack’ or ‘split’ between adjacent large areas of the brain.
E.g. the great longitudinal fissure.
What kinds of neurones and anterior and what are posterior to the central sulcus?
Anterior to central sulcus = motor neurones
Posterior to central sulcus = sensory neurones
BUT, this is a generalisation so there are exception.
What is the frontal lobe responsible for?
Higher cognition, motor functions and speech
What is the parietal lobe responsible for?
Sensation and spatial awareness
What is the temporal lobe responsible for?
Memory, smell and hearing
What is the occipital lobe responsible for?
Vision
What is the cerebellum responsible for?
Co-ordination and motor learning.
