Central Nervous System Flashcards
Three sections of the Brainstem
• Midbrain
• Pons (the bridge)
• Medulla oblongata
Midbrain functions
• Reflex center for visual activity’s and startle reflex
• Substantia Nigra - Nervers that produce dopamine.
• Dopamine controls subconscious muscle activity
Pons functions
• Axons that connect right & left hemispheres
• connect cerebral cortex with cerebellum
• Assist in breathing control
Medulla Oblongata functions
• vital functions: level of consciousness, respiratory center, cardiovascular center.
• non- vital functions: vomiting, sneezing, coughing, hiccuping, swallowing centre’s.
Reticular Activity System functions
• Maintaining consciousness
Cerebellum functions (3)
• Smooths & coordinates contraction of skeletal muscle
• Regulates posture & balance
• Coordination of skilled movement
Four sections of Diencephalon (between brain)
• Epithalamus
• Thalamus
• Hypothalemus
• Limbic System
Epithalamus function
• Assist in the secretion of melatonin from the Pineal Gland.
Thalamus function
• Relay station for sensory & motor impulses
Hypothalamus functions
• Controls Pituitary Gland
• Regulates temperature
• Regulates circadian rhythm
• Regulates behavioural patterns
• Regulates eating patterns
Limbic System (Emotional Brain)
functions
• Controls emotional responses
• Memory processing
Cerebrum functions
• Conscious thought, memory & logic
• Initiation of voluntary movement
• Interpretation of sensory information
What are the 4 lobes of the cerebrum?
• Frontal Lobe
• Parietal Lobe
• Temporal Lobe
• Occipital Lobe
Frontal Lobe areas (4)
• Premotor Area
• Primary Motor Area
• Broca’s Area
• Anterior Association Area (Prefrontal Cortex)
What are the 3 areas of the Parietal Lobe?
• Primary Somatosensory Area
• Somatosensory Association Area
• Wernick’s Area
What are the 2 areas of the Temporal Lobe?
• Primary Auditory Area
• Auditory Association Area
What are the 2 areas of the Occipital Lobe?
• Primary Visual Area
• Visual Association Area
What are the 3 components of the brain?
• 80% Brain Tissue
• 10% CSF
• 10% Blood
What are the 3 Meninges Layers?
• Dura Mater - tough outer layer
• Arachnoid Mater - middle web-like layer
• Pia Mater - delicate inner layer
Cerebrospinal Fluid functions
• Mechanical protection
• Circulation
• Homeostatic function
What is the CSF composed of?
• H20
• Oxygen
• Glucose
• Vitamins
• Ions
• Proteins
Blood-Brain function
• Protects against pathogens
• separates circulating blood from brain and extra cellular fluid in CNS
What substances can pass over the blood-brain barrier?
• Water
• Glucose
• Aminos acids
• Oxygen
• Carbon Dioxide
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Anaesthetics
What are the 2 area’s where the blood-brain barrier is incomplete?
And why?
• Vomiting center - monitors blood for poisons
• Hypothalamus - samples chemical composition of the blood.
Regulates water balance and body temperature.
