Nervous system

Question 1

Which 2 major pairs of arteries pass through the skull to supply the brain?

Answer 1

1. Internal Carotid arteries
2. Vertebral arteries

Question 2

What is the greek term that collectively describes the thalamus and hypothalamus?

Answer 2

diencephalon

Question 3

Myelinating cells within the brain are known by what name?

Answer 3

oligodendrocytes

Question 4

What physical advantage is provided by the surface of the brain being folded with gyri and sulci?

Answer 4

• Increased surface area
• efficient packing
• Isolation of functions
• protection

Question 5

Which part of the brain is responsible for consciously controlling contractions of the skeletal muscles of the body?

Answer 5

Primary motor cortex

Question 6

In skeletally mature adults, the spinal cord typically ends at what vertebral level(s)?

Answer 6

L1-L2

Question 7

Which area of spinal cord grey matter contains cell bodies of lower motor neurons?

Answer 7

Anterior horn

Question 8

The sympathetic trunk is connected to the spinal cord at which spinal segments?

Answer 8

Spinal cord at the thoracic and lumbar spinal segments (T1-L2).

Question 9

The denticulate ligament is comprised by which layer of meninges?

Answer 9

PIA matter

Question 10

What is the term given to the spinal cord’s internal space that is filled by CSF?

Answer 10

subarachnoid space

Question 11

Name the 3 major peripheral nerves that extend down the Upper limb to the hand, describe their course through the upper limb and name 2 skeletal muscles that each nerve innervates.

Answer 11

• Median Nerve: Runs down the front of the forearm, innervates flexor digitorum superficialis (finger flexor) and pronator teres (forearm pronator).
• Ulnar Nerve: Runs down the inner side of the forearm, innervates flexor digitorum profundus (finger flexor) and flexor carpi ulnaris (wrist flexor/adductor).
• Radial Nerve: Runs down the back of the forearm, innervates triceps brachii (elbow extensor) and extensor carpi radialis longus (wrist extensor/abductor).

Question 12

In regards to the sympathetic nervous system, write short definitions for each of the following:
Postganglionic fibre, Sympathetic chain, Collateral ganglion, Adrenal medulla, Hypothalamus.

Answer 12

a. Postganglionic Fiber: Nerve fibre carrying signals from the sympathetic ganglion to target organ.
b. Sympathetic Chain: Paired ganglia running alongside the vertebral column.
c. Collateral Ganglion: Ganglion outside the sympathetic chain for visceral organs.
d. Adrenal Medulla: Inner adrenal gland part releasing adrenaline into the bloodstream.
e. Hypothalamus: Brain region regulating autonomic functions and hormones.