Lecture 1: Overview of Nervous System

Question 1

State the major divisions of the human nervous system

Answer 1

CNS/PNS
CNS= brain + spinal cord
PNS= afferent (sensory) and efferent
Efferent = somatic and autonomic
Autonomic = sympathetic and parasympathetic

Question 2

Describe the general functions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem

Answer 2

Cerebrum = sensory integration into perception, planning, higher order functions
cerebellum = fine movements, motor feedback and learning, balance
brain stem = respiratory, cardiovascular

Question 3

Name and describe the three tracts that carry info between the brain and spinal cord

Answer 3

Dorsal Column Medial Lamniscus = afferents to the brain, fine touch, proprioception, vibration
Spinothalamic = afferents, coarse touch, temperature, pain
Corticospinal = efferents, medial or lateral controls proximal or distal muscles

Question 4

Where/How does the PNS interface with the CNS

Answer 4

PNS enters the spinal cord, interfaces in specialized regions in the spinal cord

Question 5

Name 3 ways neurons differ from glial cells

Answer 5

glial cells are less electrically excitable, they have only one projection, they can divide, they don’t form synapses