Introductions

Question 1

Define CNS

Answer 1

Central Nervous System

Composed of brain, brainstem and spinal cord

Question 2

Define PNS

Answer 2

Peripheral Nervous System - nerves and ganglia
Divided into ANS (which has sympathetic and parasympathetic branches) and somatic NS (which has motor and sensory divisions)

Question 3

Define ANS

Answer 3

Autonomic Nervous system
Divided into:
Parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’
Sympathetic ‘fight or flight’

Question 4

What composes the CNS?

Answer 4

PNS and CNS

Question 5

The ANS is also called

Answer 5

Involuntary NS
visceral PNS
Vegetative NS

Question 6

What can the PNS do that the CNS doesn’t?

Why?

Answer 6

Regenerate
Why:
- inhibitory molecules in CNS but not PNS (myelin differences)
- absence of guidance cues that stimulate axon growth
- some loss of intrinsic axon growth capability by neurons

Question 7

Define afferent and efferent axons

Answer 7

Afferent - towards the CNS

Efferent - away from the CNS

Question 8

Where are neuronal cell bodies located?

Answer 8

Grey matter

In the white matter –> ascending and descending axons to and from the brain

Question 9

Describe the anatomical arrangement of the brain (basic)

Answer 9

The brain is made of:
The cerebrum (cerebral cortex) = separated into 2 hemispheres (cerebral hemispheres – left and right) by the central sulcus or fissure. It is responsible for the integration of complex sensory and neural functions and the initiation and coordination of voluntary activity in the body. Generally, each hemisphere receives sensory information from the CONTRALATERAL side (opposite side) of the body and controls movement on the contralateral side as well.

Question 10

What is the cerebellum? What does it do?

Answer 10

“little brain” “hind brain”

Controls coordination of movement

Question 11

Describe the brainstem

Answer 11

most primitive part of the brain consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain, and continuing downwards to form the spinal cord. It contains densely packed fibres. Regulates VITAL functions (involuntary) (breathing, swallowing, heart rate, blood pressure, consciousness etc)

Question 12

What is a fasicle? What is called the connective tissue sheath which surrounds it? What are the others?

Answer 12

A fascicle is a bundle of nerve fibres (both afferent and efferent)
They are surrounded by perineurium
The whole nerve is a tough epineurium capsule
Individual axons are wrapped with myelin and endoneurium (though some are unmyelinated)

Question 13

The dorsal root contains which types of neurons?

Answer 13

Somatic

Ventral root has motor

Question 14

Where is Parkinson’s disease degeneration located?

Answer 14

In the basal ganglia, more precisely substantia negra