Chapter 49 - Nervous Systems Flashcards
1
Q
Describe general structure and function of the central nervous system, including supporting cells.
A
- Brain
- Spinal cord
- Glia cells
- Support & protect neurons
-
Astrocytes:
- increases blood flow to active neurons
- acts in blood-brain barrier
-
Oligodendrocytes & Schwann cells:
- Form myelin axon sheaths in vertebrates
-
Phagocytic microglia:
- “Immune system” attacking mistakes from blood-brain barrier
-
Ciliated ependymal cells:
- Line ventricles and help with fluid circuliation
- “Provide cushion”
2
Q
Describe general structure and function of the peripheral nervous system, including supporting cells.
A
- Cranial nerves
- Ganglia outside central nervous system
- Spinal nerves
- Further divides…
-
Efferent neurons:
-
Motor system:
- Locomotion:
“Voluntary” (Mostly)
Responds to external stimuli
Carries signals to & from skeletal muscles
- Locomotion:
-
Autonomic nervous system:
- “Involuntary”
Responds to internal cues in other systems-
Sympathetic division:
“Fight or dlight” -
Parasympathetic division:
“Rest and digest” -
Enteric division:
Controls secretion/peristalsis
-
Sympathetic division:
- “Involuntary”
-
Motor system:
-
Afferent (sensory neurons):
- Ex: hearing
-
Efferent neurons:
3
Q
Describe major functions of the brainstem.
A
Described as the “lower brain”:
- Homeostasis & basic-life functions
- Coordination of large-scale movement
- Regulates wakefulness
- Transmission of information between other parts of brain
- Includes:
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla oblongata
4
Q
Describe major functions of the cerebellum.
A
- Responsible for coordination & error-checking of movement & balance (Think hand-eye coordination)
- Motor skills (habits! Like, never forget how to ride a bike)
5
Q
Describe major functions of the diencephalon.
A
- Epithalamus:
- Includes pineal gland
- Thalamus:
- Cerebrum’s input & output centre
- Hypothalamus:
- Homeostasis & “pure” behaviours
- Produces hormones
- Biological clock
6
Q
Describe major functions of the cerebrum.
A
- Consists of right and left hemispheres:
- Control opposite sides of body.
- Each with four-lobed cortex.
- Responsible for perception, learning, voluntary movement, emotions, conscousness, memory.