Introduction to the Nervous System

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

nerve cells that conduct signals

Question 2

Neuroglia

Answer 2

support cells for the neurons

Question 3

Nucleus

Answer 3

a collection of nerve cell bodies within the central nervous system

Question 4

Ganglion

Answer 4

a collection of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system

Question 5

Unipolar Neuron

Answer 5

the cell body is central, and protrudes from the nucleus

Question 6

Bipolar Neuron

Answer 6

the cell body is central, and in line with the axon

Question 7

Multipolar Neuron

Answer 7

the cell body is located at the dendritic end of the neuron

Question 8

Axon Hillock - Initial Segment

Answer 8

part of the cell body that connects to the axon - last point where potentials from synaptic inputs are summated before being transmitted to axon

Question 9

Satellite Cells

Answer 9

type of neuroglia in PNS, surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia

Question 10

Schwann Cells

Answer 10

type of neuroglia in PNS, surround all axons, responsible for myelination of peripheral axons

Question 11

Oligodendrocytes

Answer 11

type of neuroglia in CNS, myelinate CNS axons, provide structural framework

Question 12

Astrocytes

Answer 12

type of neuroglia in CNS, maintain blood-brain barrier, provide structural support

Question 13

Microglia

Answer 13

type of neuroglia in CNS, remove cell debris, wastes, and pathogens by phagocytosis

Question 14

Ependymal Cells

Answer 14

type of neuroglia in CNS, line ventricles and central canal

Question 15

Meninges

Answer 15

cover and protect the CNS
three types:
1. Dura Mater
2. Arachnoid Mater
3. Pia Mater

Question 16

Dura Mater

Answer 16

type of meninge, tough outer layer of CNS

Question 17

Arachnoid Mater

Answer 17

type of meninge, CSF - cerebrospinal fluid

Question 18

Pia Mater

Answer 18

type of meninge, intimate contact with CNS

Question 19

Calvaria

Answer 19

skull cap

Question 20

Layers of CNS Protection

Answer 20

Scalp (top) –> Pericranium –> Calvaria (skull cap) –> Dura Mater –> Arachnoid Mater –> Pia Mater

Question 21

Three main parts of the brain

Answer 21

1. Cerebrum
2. Cerebellum
3. Brain stem

Question 22

Functions of the Cerebrum

Answer 22

• higher cognitive function
• language and speech
• somatic motor function
• somatic sensory function
• regulates emotional aspects of behaviour

Question 23

Hemispheres of the Cerebrum

Answer 23

Right and Left (separated by Longitudinal/Inhermispheric Fissure)

Question 24

Poles of the Cerebrum

Answer 24

Frontal (Anterior), Occipital (Posterior) and 2 Temporal (Lateral)

Question 25

Sulcus

Answer 25

depression or fissure in the surface of the brain

Question 26

Gyrus

Answer 26

ridge on the cerebral cortex, usually surrounded by one or more sulci

Question 27

Lobes of the Cerebrum

Answer 27

Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, and Temporal

Question 28

Frontal Lobe Function

Answer 28

higher cognitive, planning, strategy, motor

Question 29

Parietal Lobe Function

Answer 29

perception of self in space, sensory

Question 30

Temporal Lobe Function

Answer 30

memory, learning, social, hearing

Question 31

Occipital Lobe Function

Answer 31

vision

Question 32

Motor Homunculus

Answer 32

Precentral Gyrus of central sulcus

Question 33

Sensory Homunculus

Answer 33

Postcentral Gyrus of central sulcus

Question 34

Fibre Tracts in the Brain

Answer 34

- Projection Fibres - Association Fibres - Commissural Fibres

Question 35

Projection Fibres

Answer 35

travel to and from cortex

Question 36

Association Fibres

Answer 36

intrahemispheric connections, short or long

Question 37

Commissural Fibres

Answer 37

inter hemispheric connections

Question 38

Function of the Cerebellum

Answer 38

- acts as a comparator - compares intended movement with evolving movement and corrects for errors - ensures movements are smooth, coordinated and purposefull (skilled) - regulates posture and balance

Question 39

Cerebellar ataxia

Answer 39

disease affecting the cerebellum, intention tremor, lack of balance and coordination

Question 40

Parts of the Brainstem

Answer 40

1. Midbrain 2. Pons 3. Medulla Oblongata

Question 41

Function of the Brainstem

Answer 41

- contains motor and sensory pathways connecting cerebral cortex & thalamus to spinal cord - houses cranial nerve nuclei (origins of CNS) - contains Reticular Activating System - important for arousal of cortex and consciousness - vital centres for regulating heart rate & breathing - centres for regulating swallowing & gag reflex

Question 42

Parts of the Midbrain

Answer 42

1. Substantia Nigra 2. Red Nucleus 3. Relay centres for visual & auditory pathways 4. Cranial nerves III and IV attached to it

Question 43

Substantia Nigra

Answer 43

found in the midbrain - regulates motor activity - neuronal degeneration --> Parkinson's disease

Question 44

Red Nucleus

Answer 44

found in the midbrain | - regulates motor activity

Question 45

Pons

Answer 45

part of the midbrain | "bridge" between cerebrum and cerebella, cranial nerves V, VI, VII, and VIII attached to it

Question 46

Medulla Oblongata

Answer 46

part of the midbrain | contains vital cardio-respiratory regulatory centres, cranial nerves IX, X , XI, and XII

Question 47

Circle of Willis

Answer 47

circle of arteries that supply blood the brain and surrounding structures