Central Nervous system part 2.1, Module 3

Question 1

What are the three types of fibers?

Answer 1

1) association fibres connect the different parts of the same hemisphere
2) commissural fibres connect grey areas of 2 hemispheres
3) projection fibres are vertical tracts that connect cerebral cortex with subcortical structures

Question 2

What is the basal nuclei?

Answer 2

they are a functional group of grey matter deep in the cerebrum, diencephalon and the midbrain ( the control in skeletal movement and role in cognition and emotion)

Question 3

What is the diencephalon?

Answer 3

the caudal (posterior) part of the forebrain, containing the epithalamus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and ventral thalamus and the third ventricle.

Question 4

What is the thalamus (EGG) LABEL?

Answer 4

The thalamus (egg) is made up of many groups of nuclei, it’s a relay station of sensory information (gatekeeper) to the cortex –> to the motor and limbic (emotion connections)

Question 5

What is the hypothalamus?

Answer 5

It’s where homeostasis, autonomic emotions, body temp, food intake, sleep and wake cycles, and hormones occur. The pituitary gland secretes hormones.

Question 6

What is the epithalamus?

Answer 6

It’s the pineal gland –> for melatonin the sleep and wake cycle.

Question 7

what is the brain stem?

Answer 7

the central trunk of the mammalian brain, consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata continuing downwards to form the spinal cord.

Question 8

What is the midbrain? LABEL

Answer 8

The mesencephalon contains the nuclei for visual and auditory info and controls reflexes associated with these senses

Question 9

What is the pons?

Answer 9

The pons is ascending, descending and transverse (link to the cerebellum) tracts involved in respiration

Question 10

What is the medulla Oblongata

Answer 10

it’s inferior, it joins the spinal cord at foramen magnum (home of skull), it is the autonomic reflex centre -> heart rate, respiratory rhythm, vomit, cough and swallow

Question 11

What is the cerebellum

Answer 11

The cerebellum is the Largest brain structure, where the 2 hemispheres are connected by the vermis, it is connected to the brainstem via the cerebellar peduncles

Question 12

Why is the cerebellum important?

Answer 12

It has an important role in equilibrium, balance, and coordination of movement SUBCONSCIOUSLY

Question 13

What is the spinal cord and its function?

Answer 13

it’s a cylindrical extension of the medulla oblongata (42cm), it provides a two-way communication to and from the brain and body. Also, it is the major reflex center (initiated and completed at the spinal cord

Question 14

Where does the spinal cord end?

Answer 14

The spinal cord ends at the conus medullans (L1/L2), the film terminal (anchor) and the caudra equina (spinal nerve roots ) the horsetail

Question 15

What are the spinal nerves connected to?

Answer 15

The spinal nerves connect to the spinal cord via roots

Question 16

How are the brain and spinal cord protected?

Answer 16

The brain and spinal cord have coverings (meninges) to protect them, consisting of 3 layers

Question 17

What are the 3 layers?

Answer 17

1) Dura mater (superficial), the arachnoid mater (middle) and pia mater

Question 18

What does the dura mater function?

Answer 18

The dura mater is connected with the skull, it is a double layer, where the other layer is fused to the periosteum. The dura venous sinuses between2 layers (collect venous blood). Also, it has a dural fold (septa) (seatbelt) carries blood from the brain toward the heart
Dura mater is separated from the vertebrae by a space called the epidural space, which contains fat and blood vessels.

Question 19

What is the arachnoid mater?

Answer 19

Connected to the dura mater on the side closest to the CNS, this middle layer includes a network of fibers and collagen that are part of the suspension system that helps protect the brain and spinal cord from sudden impact.

Question 20

What is the pia mater

Answer 20

the pia mater is the deepest layer, it follows the gyri and sulci (acts like cling wrap), it is rich with small blood cells
function of the pia mater is to protect the central nervous system by containing the cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and spine. The cranial pia mater covers the surface of the brain.

Question 21

what is the space between the bone and dura mater?

Answer 21

the space between the bone and the dura mater is the epidural space (contains fat and vessels)

Question 22

What is CFS

Answer 22

a series of spaces that circulate cerebrospinal fluid

Question 23

What does the CSF do?

Answer 23

The CFS supports, nourishes and cushions the brain and spinal cord

Question 24

Where is the choroid plexus located?

Answer 24

The choroid plexus is located on the roof of ventricles, produces CSF