CNS, PNS and Neurons Flashcards
How many neurons does it take to transmit pain from our foot to our brain?
3
How many neurons are needed to transmit a motor signal from our brain to our foot?
2
What does Neuroanatomy mean?
The structure and connectivity of the nervous system.
What does neurophysiology mean?
How neurons work and communicate.
what are the two divisions of the nervous system?
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
what re the two components of the CNS?
brain and spinal cord.
what is the function of the spinal cord?
to conducts signals to and from the brain, controls reflex activities.
What are the two subdivisions of the Peripheral nervous System?
Somatic and Autonomic.
What does the somatic nervous system do?
Controls voluntary movement.
What does the autonomic nervous system do?
Controls involuntary (automatic) responses.
What are the nerves in the Somatic Nervous System responsible for? (2)
- Transmitting signals from the CNS to the body for voluntary movement (efferent).
- Delivering sensory information from the body to the CNS (afferent).
What are the nerves in the Autonomic Nervous System responsible for?
- Regulating the automatic behaviours of the body – heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion etc.
What are the two subsystems of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic.
What does the Sympathetic Nervous System do?
stimulates (fight or flight response)
How does the Sympathetic Nervous System stimulate?
Accelerates heart rate, dilates pupils, decreases digestive functions.
What does the Parasympathetic Nervous System do?
Inhibits (rest and digest).
How does the Parasympathetic Nervous System inhibit?
Constricts pupils, decelerates heart rate, increases digestive function.
What are the main functions of the brain? (4).
Receives and processes information.
Initiates responses.
Stores memories.
Generates thoughts and emotions.
What are the 3 main sections of the brain?
Hindbrain.
Midbrain.
Forebrain.
What does the Hindbrain consist of?
Cerebellum, Pons and Medulla.
Where are the Pons and Medulla located?
In the Brain Stem.
What is the Medulla responsible for regulating? (6)
Heart rate,
Circulation,
Respiration,
Sleep / Wakefulness,
Levels of arousal / consciousness,
Reflexes (e.g. swallowing, coughing & sneezing, vomiting).
How does the Medulla achieve this regulation?
The medulla contains the origin points for a lot of nerve fibres, specifically cranial nerve fibres. These nerve fibres carry information from the brain stem to the structures in the head, face, neck and some organs.
What does Pons mean in Latin?
Bridge.