Lecture 13 CNS Flashcards
Development of the CNS
CNS develops from neural tube of embryo starting around 3 weeks
anterior neural tube first differentiates into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain (4weeks)
forebrain greatly enlarges to form cerebral hemispheres
Supporting structures of the CNS
meninges
brain ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Glial cells
Meninges
Dura mater - outer layer
Arachnoid mater - middle
Pia mater - inner layer
Brain ventricles and CSF
CSF is produced by the choroid plexuses of the brain ventricles
CSF circulates through ventricles and into subarachnoid space
CSF composition is regualted; low protein concentration compared to plasma
Glial cells
supporting cells of the NS astrocytes microglia oligodendrocytes ependymal cells
Astrocytes
provide physical and metabolic support to neurons
blood-brain barrier- tight junction between capillary endothelial cells
regulates passage of substances from blood to CNS interstitial fluid
microglia
phagocytes, protective functions
oligodendrocytes
myelinate axons in CNS
ependymal cells
produce CSF
Spinal Cord
Gray matter
nuclei, contain cell bodies, dendrites, axon terminals integration areas of CNS
dorsal (posterior) horn
ventral (anterior) horn
Spinal Cord
White matter
tracts (bundles of axons in the CNS)
contains myelinated areas
conduct APs over long distances
ascending tracts & descending tracts
Ascending tracts
sensory information
carries info to the brain in the dorsal white columns
Descending tracts
motor information
down to appropriate level of the spinal cord and then out to the appropriate body part
in lateral anterior parts of white matter
Ganglia
clusters of cell bodies in the PNS
Spinal nerves
Dorsal Root
incoming axons of sensory neurons
cell bodies in dorsal root ganglia
Spinal nerves
Ventral Root
outgoing axons of motor neurons
cell bodies in ventral horn
How many pairs of spinal nerves
31 pairs
C1-8, T1-12, L1-5, S1-5 Co1
Spinal Reflexes
Parts of the reflex arc
sensory receptor sensory neuron integration center motor neuron effector (muscle)
2 spinal reflexes
monosynaptic reflex (e.g. muscle spindle stretch reflex) polysynaptic reflex (e.g withdrawal reflex and crossed extensor reflex
Brain stem
medulla ,pons, and midbrain
transition from spinal cord to higher brain regions
sensory motor tracts pass through
origins of cranial nerves
reticular formation
network of neurons involved in arousal of cerebral cortex (sleep/wake)
Medulla Oblongata
ascending (somatosensory) tracts convey sensory information to higher brain areas
descending (corticospinal) tracts carry motor signals, cross over in pyramids of the medulla
respiratory and cardiovascular control centers
other involuntary control centers (swallowing, vomiting)
Pons
connections between cerebellum and other CNS areas
respiratory centers coordinate with medulla to control breathing
Midbrain
visual and auditory reflexes
role in unconscious motor control (red nucleus, substantia nigra)