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VCE VET Allied Health Flashcards © > Nervous System > Flashcards

Nervous System Flashcards

1
Q

What are the divisions of the nervous system?

A
Flowchart by Sienna Gauci, 2024.
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2
Q

2 types of nervous tissue

A

Neurons and neuroglia

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3
Q

Neuron

A

Nerve cell that transmits electrical signals

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4
Q

Structure and functions of the nervous system

A
  • S = CNS (brain and spinal cord) and PNS (cranial and spinal nerves), 2 types of nervous tissue= neurons and glia
  • F = receive sensory (afferent) signals, interpret info and coordinate a motor (efferent) response, maintain homeostasis
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5
Q

3 types of neurons

A

Sensory, motor, interneurons

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6
Q

What is A and what is its structure and function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Dendrite
- Branched extensions of cell body that receive input from other neurons and transmit towards cell body

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7
Q

What is B?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Cell body

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8
Q

What is G and what is its function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Nucleus
- Structure within the cell body that contains DNA to control functioning of the neuron

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9
Q

What is C and what is its function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Axon
- To transport signals from the dendrite to the axon terminals

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10
Q

What is I and what is its function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Schwann cell
- Glial cell that provides myelin insulation to neurons in PNS

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11
Q

What is H and what is its function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Myelin sheath
- Fatty covering that insulates the axon and increases the speed of transmission

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12
Q

What is D and what is its function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Node of Ranvier
- Gaps between Schwann cells in myelin sheath that allow for rapid depolarisation of the impulse

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13
Q

What is F and what is its function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Axon terminal
- Branch-like extensions of the axon that carry messages from axon to terminal buttons

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14
Q

What is E and what is its function?

Jarosz, 2009 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron_Hand-tuned.svg. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.
A

Terminal buttons
- Release neurotransmitters to other neurons between the synapse

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15
Q

Name the stages of an action potential

A

Resting, depolarisation, repolarisation, hyperpolarisation

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16
Q

Describe the resting phase of an action potential

A

Neuron not responding to stimulus, Na+ and K+ channels closed, SOAPI PONI (sodium outside and potassium inside, positive outside negative inside)

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17
Q

Describe the depolarisation stage of an action potential

A
  • Neurotransmitters binding to receptors on dendrites causes opening of Na+ channels > Na+ ions rush in
  • Charge of cell increases (depolarisation), and if threshold is reached, action potential fires
  • Charge of cell will continue to increase, eventually becoming positive due to a high concentration of Na+ ions
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18
Q

Describe the repolarisation/hyperpolarisation stage of an action potential

A

K+ channels open and K+ ions rush out > cell charge decreases (repolarisation) and eventually goes below the resting level (hyperpolarisation), before returning to resting phase

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19
Q

Structure and function of a synapse

A
  • S = space between two neurons where the presynaptic axon connects with the postsynaptic dendrite
  • F = allows for transmission of electrochemical messages between neurons
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20
Q

What happens at a synapse?

A
  • Action potential arrives at axon terminals
  • Triggers release of neurotransmitters which diffuse across synapse and bind to specific receptors on target cell
  • Target cell is activated or inhibited
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21
Q

What is a neuromuscular junction

A

Where a nerve joins with an effector muscle

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22
Q

Structure and function of a neurotransmitter

A
  • S = chemical messenger released by the axon of a presynaptic nerve. Binds to a specific receptor of a postsynaptic nerve or effector muscle
  • F = transmit signals from presynaptic nerve to post-synaptic nerve or effector muscle
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23
Q

Examples of neurotransmitters

A

Acetylcholine (Ach), endorphin, dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline)

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24
Q

2 types of neural messages

A
  • Within neurons: electrical (action potential)
  • Between neurons: chemical (neurotransmitters)
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25
Q

What are glia?

A

Supportive/connective cells of the nervous system > do not transmit an action potential

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26
Q

Types of glia

A
  • CNS: astroglia, microglia, oligodendroglia
  • PNS: satellite cells, schwann cells
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27
Q

Astroglia

A

Star-shaped cells that provide physical and nutritional support for neurons and clean up brain debris in CNS

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28
Q

Microglia

A

Digest parts of dead neurons in CNS

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29
Q

Oligodendroglia

A

Provide myelin insulation to neurons in CNS

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30
Q

Satellite cells

A

Provide physical support to neurons in PNS

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31
Q

What are the 2 main divisions of the nervous system and what are their components?

A
  • CNS: brain and spinal cord
  • PNS: peripheral nerves (cranial and spinal)
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32
Q

Structure and function of the CNS

A
  • S = brain and spinal cord
  • F = to process info received from internal and external stimuli
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33
Q

Structure and function of the brain

A
  • S = mass of soft nerve tissue, located within the cranial cavity
  • F = receives and interprets sensory information to coordinate a motor response
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34
Q

Grey vs white matter

A
  • Grey: neuron cell bodies, axon terminals and dendrites (therefore neurotransmitters) - on outside of brain and inside of spinal cord
  • White: axons surrounded by myelin sheath - on inside of brain and outside of spinal cord
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35
Q

3 main sections of the brain

A

Cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem

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36
Q

Structure and functions of the cerebrum

A
  • S = soft nerve tissue divided into L and R hemispheres, connected by corpus callosum. 4 lobes= temporal, parietal, frontal, occipital
  • F = coordination of movement, vision, hearing, emotions, problem solving, learning etc
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37
Q

3 layers of protection for the brain

A

Cranium, meninges, CSF

38
Q

Structure and function of meninges

A
  • S = multi-layered membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord (dura mater is most superficial, then arachnoid and pia mater)
  • F = to protect the brain and spinal cord
39
Q

Structure and function of CSF

A
  • S = colourless fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord containing chemicals e.g. salts/glucose/proteins dissolved in water located between the pia and arachnoid mater
  • F = to protect the brain and spinal cord by cushioning, circulates nutrients and waste to and from brain, maintains pressure
40
Q

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

A

Maintain homeostasis e.g. temp, fluid balance, appetite, sleep cycles etc by controlling secretion of hormones from pituitary gland

41
Q

Motor cortex vs somatosensory cortex

A
  • Motor: coordinates motor output, located in frontal lobe
  • Somatosensory: receives sensory input, located in parietal lobe
42
Q

What is A and what is its function?

ErMED14, 2022 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brain_lobes_and_regions_with_labels.png. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0.
A

Frontal lobe
- Thinking, problem solving, personality, emotions, voluntary movement of skeletal muscles

43
Q

What is B and what is its function?

ErMED14, 2022 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brain_lobes_and_regions_with_labels.png. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0.
A

Parietal lobe
- Sensory info from skin, perception, spelling, arithmetic

44
Q

What is C and what is its function?

ErMED14, 2022 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brain_lobes_and_regions_with_labels.png. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0.
A

Occipital lobe
- Vision, processing colour, shape, perspective

45
Q

What is D and what is its function?

ErMED14, 2022 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brain_lobes_and_regions_with_labels.png. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0.
A

Cerebellum
- Receive sensory info from inner ear, eyes, muscles and then coordinate voluntary muscle movement, allowing muscles to make adjustments to maintain balance and equilibrium

46
Q

What is E and what are its 3 functions?

ErMED14, 2022 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brain_lobes_and_regions_with_labels.png. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0.
A

Brain stem (3 sections = midbrain, medulla oblongata, pons)
- Conduction of signals from spinal cord to brain and vice versa
- Contains control centres for vital body functions e.g. respiration, vasomotor centre, cardioregulatory centre etc
- Other autonomic functions e.g. digestion, salivation, urination

47
Q

What is F and what is its function?

ErMED14, 2022 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brain_lobes_and_regions_with_labels.png. This work is openly licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0.
A

Temporal lobe
- Memory, language, hearing, understanding

48
Q

What is the structure and function of the spinal cord?

A

Spinal cord
- S = long tubular structure that connects the brain to the rest of the body, located within the vertebral column
- F = transmits sensory info from body to brain and motor info from brain to body

49
Q

3 layers of protection for the spinal cord

A

Vertebrae, meninges, CSF

50
Q

Divisions of spinal nerves

A
  • Cervical (8)
  • Thoracic (12)
  • Lumbar (5)
  • Sacrum (5)
  • Coccyx (1)
51
Q

Cauda equina

A

Bundle of nerves extending beyond the spinal cord, carries nerve impulses to and from legs (looks like a frayed rope)

52
Q

2 roots of spinal nerves

A
  • Ventral/motor root: carries motor signals from CNS to body (particularly skeletal muscles)
  • Dorsal/sensory root: carries sensory signals from body to spinal cord
53
Q

What are A, B and C?

BruceBlaus, 2016 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spinal_Cord_Sectional_Anatomy.png. This work is openly licensed byCC BY-SA 4.0.
A
  • A = dorsal root (sensory)
  • B = grey matter
  • C = dorsal horn (sensory)
54
Q

What are D, E and F?

BruceBlaus, 2016 – retrieved and adapted from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spinal_Cord_Sectional_Anatomy.png. This work is openly licensed byCC BY-SA 4.0.
A
  • D = ventral root (motor)
  • E = white matter
  • F = ventral horn (motor)
55
Q

Dermatome

A

An area of skin whose sensory nerves all come from a single spinal nerve root

56
Q

Structure and function of the PNS

A
  • S = all nerves outside the CNS (cranial, spinal and peripheral nerves)
  • F = carries sensory information from the body to the CNS and motor information from the CNS to the body
57
Q

Structure and function of cranial nerves

A
  • S = 12 pairs, connect brain to head, neck and trunk, part of PNS
  • F = smell, sight, eye movement, sensation in face, hearing, balance, swallowing
58
Q

Structure and function of spinal nerves

A
  • S = 31 pairs, connect the spinal cord to other organs and parts of the body
  • F = sends sensory and motor signals between the CNS and the PNS to coordinate activities e.g. movement
59
Q

What are the two divisions of the PNS and what does each control?

A
  • Autonomic: involuntary activities e.g. HR, RR, peristalsis
  • Somatic: voluntary skeletal muscle contractions
60
Q

What are the 3 divisions of the autonomic nervous system and what does each control?

A
  • Sympathetic: fight/flight: decreased digestion, increased HR, dilation of pupils, diversion of blood to muscles which need it more, lack of bladder control, goosebumps
  • Parasympathetic: rest & repair after fight/flight: increased digestion, decreased HR, constriction of pupils, return of bladder control etc
  • Enteric: coordinates function of GI tract
61
Q

What is a reflex?

A

Involuntary and almost instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus, often spinal reflexes (bypass the brain = rapid), role in survival (protect from hazards etc)

62
Q

What is a reflex arc?

A
  • Path taken by nerve impulses in a reflex
  • Receptor > sensory neuron > interneuron > motor neuron > effector
63
Q

Monosynaptic vs polysynaptic reflex and give e.g.s

A
  • Monosynaptic: one synapse = sensory > motor e.g. patellar and achilles reflex
  • Polysynaptic: multiple synapses = sensory > inter > motor e.g. withdrawal response
64
Q

Describe the patellar reflex

A

Receptors detect force of hammer, sensory neuron transmits signal to a motor neuron in spinal cord, activating only one synapse therefore rapid knee jerk reflex

65
Q

Describe the withdrawal reflex

A
  • Stimulus detected by sensory receptors
  • Sensory neurons transmit info via sensory (afferent) pathway to spinal cord
  • Interneurons in spinal cord initiate involuntary motor movement
  • Motor neurons transmit info via motory (efferent) pathway to muscles
  • Muscles perform withdrawal reflex response w/o input from brain
66
Q

What are primitive reflexes and give some e.g.s

A
  • Reflexes that originate in the CNS
  • Normal in infants but abnormal in adults as they are suppressed by the development of the frontal lobes
    e.g. Moro (startle), Babinski (foot tickle), grasp
67
Q

How to maintain a healthy nervous system

A
  • Get enough sleep to help consolidate neural pathways and allow the mind to rest. Sleep also reduces blood pressure, decreasing the risk of stroke
  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fibre and nutrients, low in fats and salts to reduce the risk of stroke
  • Avoid excessive alcohol or drug intake as they can interfere with brain activity
68
Q

What is a stroke and what are the 2 types?

A

Damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply, resulting in a lack of oxygen to brain tissue (ischaemic or haemorrhagic)

69
Q

Risk factors for stroke

A

Smoking/obesity/high salt diet > high BP > atherosclerosis/weakening of blood vessel walls > stroke

70
Q

Ischaemic vs haemorrhagic stroke

A
  • Ischaemic: blockage in blood vessels e.g. blood clot/atherosclerosis that supply brain > lack of O2
  • Haemorrhagic: blood vessel supplying brain bursts due to high BP causing bleeding in the brain
71
Q

What is a concussion and what are the symptoms?

A
  • A form of mild TBI where the brain comes into contact with the cranium, caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head
  • Sx (depend on what part of the brain is affected): headache, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea etc
72
Q

What is MS?

A

Multiple Sclerosis
- Autoimmune disease where autoantibodies destroy the myelin sheath of neurons, causing sclerosis (hardening) > slowed transmission of sensory and motor impulses

73
Q

What is myasthenia gravis?

A
  • Neuromuscular autoimmune disease resulting in skeletal muscle weakness of eyes, face, swallowing muscles
  • Symptoms include diplopia, ptosis (drooping eyelids), dysphasia, difficulty walking
74
Q

How is myasthenia gravis caused?

A
  • Autoantibodies block Ach receptors at neuromuscular junction > some messages from nerve can’t pass to muscle to initiate contractions > weakness
75
Q

Ment/o
Neur/o

A

Mind
Nerve

76
Q

Encephal/o
Radic/o

A

Brain
Nerve root

77
Q

Mening/i,o
Psych/o

A

Meninges
Mind

78
Q

Somn/i,o
Dur/o

A

Sleep
Dura mater

79
Q

Radicul/o
Cerebr/o

A

Nerve root
Cerebrum

80
Q

Cerebell/o
Cephal/o

A

Cerebellum
Head

81
Q

Gli/o
Phren/o

A

Neuroglia
Mind

82
Q

Esthesi/o
Medull/o

A

Sensation, feeling
Medulla oblongata

83
Q

Myel/o
Arthr/i,o

A

Spinal cord
Speech

84
Q

Dysarthria
Hypertonia

A

Abnormal condition of difficulty speaking (not painful joints)
Abnormal condition of excessive muscle tone

85
Q

Hyperreflexia

A

Abnormal condition of excessive reflex activity

86
Q

-asthenia
CSF

A

Weakness
Cerebrospinal fluid

87
Q

Ataxia

A

Loss of control of body movements

88
Q

TIA
Hemianopia

A

Transient ischaemic attack
Abnormal condition of no vision in one eye

89
Q

Neglect

A

Lack of attention and spatial awareness post-CVA

90
Q

Hydrocephalus

A

Excess accumulation of CSF in brain

91
Q

Ganglion

A

Collection of nerve cells

VCE VET Allied Health Flashcards © (25 decks)

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