Nervous System🧠 Flashcards
What is included in the central nervous system?
The brain and spinal cord
What is the basic function of neurons?
Receives information and generates a response
Where are dendrites found?
In the grey matter of the brain
Where are axons found?
In the white matter of the brain.
What is the digestive tract responsible for?
Autonomous functions
How many sections are in the brain?
4
What is the cerebrum?
The largest part of the brain - which splits into two hemispheres connected by the corpus callous - responsible for the higher functions like consciousness and cognition
What does the brain stem do?
Connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates crucial functions like cardiovascular and respiratory systems
What are the two sections of the spinal cord?
White and grey
What does the grey matter of the spinal cord contain?
Posterior horn, anterior horn and lateral horn
What does the white matter of the spinal cord do?
Carries ascending sensory and descending motor information between the body and the brain
What does the CNS process?
All sensory information except for smell
Where do the sensory signals pass through?
The thalamus before reaching the cerebral cortex
What does the cerebellum do?
Coordinates movement by comparing cerebral commands with sensory feedback from the periphery
What does the hypothalamus do in the CNS?
Regulates homeostasis and controls the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system
What are the two main vessels that supply blood to the brain?
Internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries
What is the circle of Willis?
A crucial network of arteries at the base of the brain
What does the circle of Willis do?
Provides redundant blood flow
What is the peripheral nervous system?
The body’s communication network, connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body’s tissues and organs
What does the PNS consist of?
All neural structures outside of the CNS
What are nerves?
Bundles of axons wrapped in connective tissue layers that carry signals between the CNS and PNS
How many spinal nerves are there and what do they contain?
31 pairs - they contain sensory and motor fibres
What are the cranial nerves functions?
Control the neck and head
What are ganglia?
Clusters of neurone cell bodies located outside the CNS
What other nervous systems are included in the PNS?
Somatic and autonomic
What is the somatic nervous system?
The nervous system which is responsible for the movements and transmissions of sensory information to the CNS
What does the somatic nervous system consist of?
Motor neurones
What does the autonomic nervous system do?
Regulates involuntary body functions such as heart rate, digestion and respiratory rate
What does the sympathetic system do?
Prepares the body for stressful situations
What does the parasympathetic system do?
Promotes relaxation and recovery
What does the endocrine system do?
Regulates various bodily functions through the release of hormones
What are the key glands of the endocrine system?
Pituitary, thyroid and adrenal
Why are neurological exams important?
They assess the function of the nervous system and can help detect neurological disorders such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease
What are the three major divisions of the brain?
Cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum and the brain stem
What is the meninges?
Three layers of tissue that protects and supports the brain and spinal cord
What are the 3 layers of meninges?
Dura matter
Arachnoid matter
Pia matter
What else does the meninges do?
Provide a support system for blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics and cerebrospinal fluid
What is the cerebrospinal fluid?
Fluid which protects the brain and spinal cord - it also facilitates the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the brain and the bloodstream
What is the function of the diencephalon?
Relays sensory information and regulates autonomic functions
What regulates sleep and motor control?
The epithalamus and the sub-thalamus
How many bones is the skull made up of?
22
What do Gillia cells do?
Maintain homeostasis, form myelin and facilitate communication between nerve cells
What are synapses?
Crucial connections between neurones
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messengers that bridge the gap between nerve cells
What are neurones?
The functioning units of the nervous system
What are the three types of neurone?
Sensory, motor and intermediary
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
To transmit signals between different parts of the body and coordinate bodily functions.
True or False: The nervous system is divided into two main parts.
True.
What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Fill in the blank: The _____ nervous system controls voluntary movements.
somatic
What does the autonomic nervous system regulate?
Involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT part of the central nervous system? a) Brain b) Spinal cord c) Nerves
c) Nerves
What is a neuron?
A specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses.
True or False: Sensory neurons carry information from the brain to the body.
False.
What is the role of the synapse?
It is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the control center of the nervous system.
brain
Multiple Choice: Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination? a) Cerebrum b) Cerebellum c) Brainstem
b) Cerebellum
What is the function of the spinal cord?
To transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
True or False: The peripheral nervous system includes cranial and spinal nerves.
True.
What is a reflex action?
An involuntary and rapid response to a stimulus.
Fill in the blank: The _____ nervous system prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.
sympathetic
Multiple Choice: Which type of neuron carries signals from sensory receptors to the CNS? a) Motor neurons b) Interneurons c) Sensory neurons
c) Sensory neurons
What is myelin?
A fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers and speeds up signal transmission.
True or False: Neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting signals across synapses.
True.
What is the main function of the limbic system?
To regulate emotions and memory.
Fill in the blank: The _____ nervous system calms the body after a stress response.
parasympathetic
