Central Nervous System Flashcards
what are the two parts of the nervous system
- central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
What are the parts of the central nervous system
- Brain
- Spinal Cord
what are the three different forms of protection of the central nervous system
- Bone
- Mengines
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
what bone protects the brain
the skull
what bone protects the spinal cord
the vertebrae
what is cerebrospinal fluid
It is a watery fluid containing glucose proteins, urea and salts
what are the three functions of cerebrospinal fluid
- Protects - Acts as a shock absorber
- Supports - brain floats in it
- Transports - carries nutrients and waste across the body
what is meninges
Are three layers of connective tissue that cover both the brain and spinal cord
what are the three layers of the meninges (bottom to top)
- Pia mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Dura mater
what is pia mater
Is a very thin, delicate, inner membrane that follows the contours of gyri and sulci. It contains many blood vessels closer to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.
what is arachnoid mater
The middle meningeal layer attaches to the dura mata. It consists of “web-like” fibres and provides a cushioning effect.
where are the subarachnoid and sub dural spaces located?
found between the arachnoid and dura mater
what do the sub-arachnoid and dub dural spaces consist of
cerebrospinal fluid
what is dura mater
Is a thick, tough, durable layer attached to the skull. It is not close fitting in the vertebral column, as it is with the bone of the skull
describe the protection of the spinal cord
Protected by three meningeal layers. Dura mater not like in the skull is not attached to the bones. Instead the epidural space containing fat, blood vessels and connective tissue serves as padding and allows the cord to bend.
