Nervous System. Flashcards
CNS consists of
brain and spinal cord.
PNS consists of
cranial and spinal nerves; peripheral components of ANS.
Synapse:
structural and functional junction between two neurons.
Two types of synapses:
electrical and chemical.
Electrical synapse:
an action potential moves from neuron to neuron directly by allowing electrical current to flow between neurons.
Chemical synapse:
an action potential reaches the end of the axon (presynaptic terminal) then it causes release of a chemical substance (neurotransmitter) from tiny vesicles with the axon terminal.
Neurotransmitters are:
excitatory or inhibitory.
Excitatory neurotransmitters:
they cause an increase in Na+ permeability at the postsynaptic cell membrane, increasing a likelihood of an action potential; acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and histamine.
Inhibitory neurotransmitters:
they cause an increase in permeability of K+ and Cl- ions, decreasing the likelihood than an action potential will be generated; gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine.
Spinal cord consists of:
white and gray matter.
White matter:
surrounds the gray matter; contains the axons of the ascending sensory and the descending motor fibers.
Gray matter:
contains the cell bodies of voluntary motor neurons and preganglionic autonomic motor neurons, as well as cell bodies of association neurons.
Brain is divided into:
cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum.
Ventricles:
supporting structure located within the CNS; the ventricles are four fluid-filled cavities with the brain that connect with one another and with the spinal canal.
CSF:
circulates within the subarachnoid space that surrounds the brain, brainstem and spinal cord; provides cushioning for the brain and spinal cord allows fluid shifts from the cranial cavity to the spinal cavity and carries nutrients.
PNS consists of:
spinal and cranial nerves, associated ganglia, and portion of the ANS.
SNS:
located in T1-L2; increases the rate and force of the heart contraction, dilates bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs.
PNS (parasympathetic):
located in the brainstem and in the sacral spinal segments (S2 through S4); decreases the rate and force, constricts the bronchioles and bronchi.
CN I:
olfactory; smell, testing sensory.
Test CN I:
identify odor; vials of scents.
CN II:
optic; visual acuity and visual fields.
Test CN II:
use snellen or rosenbaum chart; test peripheral by standing in front of pt and wiggle fingers.
CN III:
olculomotor; eye movement and pupil response.
Test CN III:
look at movement of the eyes; 6 cardinal fields of gaze; shape, response to light, accommodation; cover/uncover test.
CN IV:
trochlear; movement of the eyes, motor.
Test IV:
look at movement of the eyes; 6 cardinal fields of gaze; shape, response to light, accommodation; cover/uncover test.
CN V:
trigeminal; corneal reflex, jaw, face sensation; motor and sensory.
Test CN V:
evaluate sharp, dull and light touch sensations on cheek, and chin areas. Test corneal reflex.