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Physical Health Sciences > Nervous System > Flashcards

Nervous System Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 2 main types of nervous system and what do they consist of?

A
  1. Central Nervous System - spinal cord, brain stem, brain

2. Peripheral Nervous System - autonomic and somatic NS

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2
Q

What are the 3 parts of the brain?

A
  1. Hindbrain
  2. Midbrain
  3. Forebrain
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3
Q

What does the Somatic NS control?

A

Voluntary processes

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4
Q

What does the Autonomic NS control and what are the 2 parts?

A

Involuntary processes

  1. Sympathetic NS (fight or flight)
  2. Parasympathetic NS (relaxes body)
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5
Q

Give 3 examples of involuntary processes

A
  1. Heart rate
  2. Digestion
  3. Respiration
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6
Q

Where is adrenaline produced?

A

Adrenal medulla

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7
Q

How does the somatic NS work?

A

Carries impulses to sensory organs in the CNS and relays motor commands to muscles

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8
Q

What are the 3 primary functions of the nervous system?

A
  1. Sensory input - sense environment inside and outside the body
  2. Integration - CNS integrates incoming sensory input
  3. Motor Output - CNS regulates and controls the body via motor system in response to sensory input
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9
Q

How many nerves does the Peripheral NS consist of?

A

31 pairs of spinal nerves

12 pairs of cranial nerves

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10
Q

What are the 2 divisions of the peripheral NS?

A
  1. Sensory nerve pathway

2. Motor nerve pathway

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11
Q

Describe the sensory nerve pathway

A
  • Brings sensory information to the CNS from receptors in peripheral tissues and organs
  • Transmits impulses via the spinothalmic tract
  • Sensory decussation (crossing over) occurs within the spinal cord and medulla
  • Tendons, muscles and joints have proprioceptors (nerve endings) which are stimulated by stretch
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12
Q

What is the difference between the afferent and sensory pathways?

A 
Afferent = transmits impulses towards the brain
Sensory = transmits impulses via the skin in response to pain
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13
Q

What does the motor nerve pathway include?

A
  • Somatic NS - controls skeletal muscle contraction

- Autonomic NS - regulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands and adipose tissue

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14
Q

Describe the upper motor neurones

A
  • Stimulus to contract joints originates in the cerebrum
  • Upper motor neurones transmit this via extra-pyramidal tracts from the primary motor area of the cerebrum and pass via the internal capsule, pons and medulla; they decussate (cross over) at the medulla
  • The upper motor neurones then travel to the spinal cord via the lateral corticospinal tract
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15
Q

What is the function of the lower motor neurone?

A

The final pathway that transmits impulses to skeletal muscles

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16
Q

Describe the pathway of an impulse from the CNS

A

CNS (brain and spinal cord) –> PNS (cranial and spinal nerves) –> Sensory (afferent) Nerves + Motor (efferent) Nerves

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17
Q

Describe the pathway of an impulse from the motor nerves

A

Motor (efferent) Nerves –> Somatic + Autonomic (Parasympathetic and Sympathetic)

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18
Q

Describe the effects of the sympathetic NS

A
  • Stimulates and quickens effect on heart, circulatory and respiratory systems
  • Dilation of pupils
  • Inhibits peristalsis
  • Inhibits saliva production
  • Dilates bronchi
  • Stimulates release of epinephrine and norepinephrine
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19
Q

Describe the effects of the parasympathetic NS

A

The same as sympathetic but opposite

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20
Q

What is dual innervation?

A

The sympathetic and parasympathetic NS working together to allow more precise control

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21
Q

Describe the activation of the Adrenal-cortical system in the fight-or-flight response

A

Hypothalamus activates the adrenal-cortical system –> Release of Corticotropin-releasing factor –> Activation of pituitary gland –> Release of Adrenocorticotropic hormone –> Activation of the adrenal cortex –> Release of 30 hormones into the bloodstream –> fight or flight

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22
Q

Describe the sympathetic NS action in the fight or flight response

A
  1. Activation of the adrenal medulla –> Epinephrine and Norepinephrine released into bloodstream –> fight or flight
  2. Activation of glands and smooth muscle –> fight or flight
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23
Q

Describe neurones

A
  • Nerve cells
  • React to chemical and sensory stimuli
  • Conduct impulses
  • Emit specific chemical regulators
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24
Q

What causes the release of neurotransmitters?

A
  1. Signal received
  2. Membrane potential changes
  3. Action potential initiated
  4. Axon terminals release neurotransmitters
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25
Q

What is the function of the dendrites?

A

Convey incoming messages towards the cell body

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26
Q

What is the function of the cell body?

A

Metabolic centre of the neurone that contains the nucleus

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27
Q

What is the axon hillock?

A

Beginning of the axon

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28
Q

What is the function of the neurofibrils?

A

Maintain cell shape

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29
Q

What is the function of the axon?

A

Transports impulses away from the cell body

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30
Q

What are the 3 functions of the neurone?

A
  1. Sensory (afferent) - carry impulses from sensory receptors to the CNS
  2. Motor (efferent) - carry impulses from CNS to muscles and glands
  3. Inter (association) - carry impulses between sensory and motor neurones
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31
Q

Describe the sensory nerves

A
  • Somatic, cutaneous, common senses
  • Proprioceptor senses (e.g. joint angle, muscle length, sense of self)
  • Special sense (e.g. temperature, taste)
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32
Q

Where do sensory (afferent) nerves originate?

A

Organ glands and tissues

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33
Q

Describe the efferent nerves

A
  • Spinal cord, brain, autonomic ganglia
  • Transmit to effector organs (muscles and glands)
  • Somatic = voluntary movement and reflex skeletal muscle contraction
  • Autonomic - cardiac muscle, smooth muscle and glandular contraction
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34
Q

Describe the mixed (motor) nerves

A
  • Outside spinal cord

- Sensory and motor nerves are enclosed in the same sheath of connective tissue

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35
Q

What are neuroglia cells?

A
  • Divide continuously throughout life

- Support neurones by ensuring structural support, nourishment and protection

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36
Q

Name 6 neuroglia cells and their location

A
  1. Oligodendrocyte (CNS)
  2. Astrocyte (CNS)
  3. Ependymal (CNS)
  4. Microglia (CNS)
  5. Schwann cell (PNS)
  6. Satellite cell (PNS)
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37
Q

What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

A

Produce the myelin sheath

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38
Q

What is the function of astrocytes?

A

Barrier between capillaries and neurones

39
Q

What is the function of ependymals?

A

Circulate cerebrospinal fluid to protect the CNS

40
Q

What is the function of microglia?

A

Monitor the health of neurones and dispose of debris

41
Q

What is the function of schwann cells?

A

Form the myelin sheath

42
Q

What is the function of satellite cells?

A

Regulate diffusion of molecules into the cell body

43
Q

What are the 2 major functional properties of nerve neurones?

A
  1. Irritability - the ability to respond to a stimulus and convert it into a nerve impulse
  2. Conductivity - the ability to transmit the impulse to neurones, muscles and glands
44
Q

Describe a resting potential

A
  • No impulse is initiated
  • Membrane has different levels of K and Na on either side
  • This results in an electrical charge difference of -70mV
  • Na levels are higher in interstitial space and K higher inside the cell
  • At rest, the voltage gates are shut and a pump mechanism moves the ions from high to low conc (Na moves in, K moves out)
45
Q

Describe an action potential

A
  • Allows impulse transmission
  • Stimulus changes the permeability of the membrane to the ions which changes the membrane potential (inside more +ve, outside more -ve)
  • Action potential moves along the neurone until it reaches the synapse between neurones
  • Action potential spreads along neurones
46
Q

Describe repolarisation

A
  • K ions diffuse out of the cell as membrane permeability changes
  • -Negative charge inside and +ve charge outside the membrane is restored
47
Q

What is another word for the brain?

A

Encephalon

48
Q

What is the diencephalon and what does it consist of?

A

The posterior part of the forebrain

  • Thalamus
  • Hypothalamus
  • Epithalamus
  • Pineal gland
49
Q

Describe the thalamus

A
  • Relays sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex
  • Relays impulses between cerebral motor cortex and lower motor centres (lower and higher brain centres)
  • Involved in memory
50
Q

Describe the hypothalamus

A
  • Centre of the autonomic NS
  • Regulates temperature, food, water, hormonal output, sex, emotion, stress
  • Produces ADH and oxytocin
51
Q

Describe the midbrain

A

Contains visual and auditory reflex centres, subcortical motor centres and nuclei for cranial nerves III and IV

52
Q

Describe the medulla oblongata

A
  • Relays sensory impulses from skin to proprioceptors
  • Controls HR, blood vessel diameter, respiratory rate and reflexes
  • Site of crossover of pyramids
53
Q

Describe the cerebral cortex

A

Extensive, wrinkled outer layer of the forebrain; governs higher brain functions, such as thinking, learning and consciousness

54
Q

Describe the amygdala

A

Involved in fear and the discrimination of object necessary for organisms’ survival

55
Q

What is the function of the hippocampus?

A

Involved in memory

56
Q

What is the function of the pons?

A

Governs sleep and arousal

57
Q

What is the function of the cerebellum?

A

Motor coordination

58
Q

What is the reticular formation?

A
  • An area in the pons

- Collection of neurones involved in arousal, stereotyped patterns (e.g. walking) and the sleep-wake cycle

59
Q

What are the 3 major areas of the brain?

A
  1. Cerebrum = front area of brain, responsible for complex sensory and neural functions
  2. Brain Stem = midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, responsible for the conduction of impulses and controls breathing, swallowing, HR, BP and consciousness
  3. Cerebellum = back area of brain, control essential body functions such as balance, posture and coordination
60
Q

What are the meninges? Name the 3 layers

A

Membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

  1. Dura Mater - 2 layers of dense fibrous tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord
  2. Arachnoid Mater - fibrous tissue separated from the dura mater by subdural space
  3. Pia Mater - protective layer separated from arachnoid mater by subarachnoid space
61
Q

What is meningitis?

A

Inflammation of the meninges

62
Q

What are the 3 types of myelinated nerve fibres?

A
  1. Transverse - interconnect the 2 hemispheres
  2. Projection - connect the cerebral cortex to the lower portion of the brain and spinal cord
  3. Association - connect various areas within the hemisphere
63
Q

What are the names of the 4 lobes of the brain?

A
  1. Frontal
  2. Parietal
  3. Temporal
  4. Occipital
64
Q

Describe the frontal lobe

A

Situated at the front of the cerebrum and is responsible for:

  • Problem-solving
  • Memory
  • Language
65
Q

Describe the parietal lobe

A

Situated at the top of the cerebrum and is responsible for:

  • Touch
  • Awareness of the body
  • Interprets visual information
66
Q

Describe the temporal lobe

A

Situated at the side of the cerebrum and is responsible for:

  • Auditory receptive area
  • Interpretative area
67
Q

Describe the occipital lobe

A

Situated posteriorly in the cerebrum and is responsible for the visual receptive area

68
Q

Name the 2 areas for speech

A
  1. Broca’s Area - responsible for speech; if it is damages, the victim is unable to say words properly
  2. Wernicke’s Area - responsible for comprehension of speech
69
Q

What are the 5 constituents of cerebrospinal fluid?

A
  1. Water
  2. Glucose
  3. Oxygen
  4. Carbon dioxide
  5. Hormones and electrolytes
70
Q

What are the 3 sources of cerebrospinal fluid?

A
  1. Choroid plexus (lines ventricles)
  2. Ependymal cells (occur in ventricles and meningeal blood vessels)
  3. Brain and spinal cord (blood vessels)
71
Q

Describe the cerebrospinal fluid

A
  • Forms a watery cushion that protects the brain
  • Circulating volume = 150ml
  • 600-700ml of CSF is formed per day
  • Arachnoid mater provides drainage for CSF back into the blood via arachnoid villi/ granulation
72
Q

How much does the brain weigh?

A

1400g

73
Q

How is CSF secreted into the ventricles?

A

By the choroid plexus

74
Q

Describe the relationship between movement of CSF and pressure differences on each side of the arachnoid villi

A
  • High CSF pressure + Low venous pressure = CSF moves into bloodstream
  • Low CSF pressure + High venous pressure = arachnoid villi/ valves shut down so CSF cannot move into bloodstream
75
Q

Name the 4 cortexes of the brain

A
  1. Gustatory cortex (taste)
  2. Primary somatosensory cortex & Somatosensory association area (makes you aware of sensations)
  3. Primary visual cortex & Visual association area (vision)
  4. Primary auditory complex & Auditory association area (hearing)
76
Q

Describe arterial circulation

A
  • 2 vertebral + 2 internal carotid arteries supply brain with blood
  • Vertebral arteries stem from subclavian arteries and join at the level of the pons to the basilar artery
  • Basilar divides to form posterior cerebral arteries which supply the cerebellum
77
Q

What do the vertebral arteries supply blood to?

A
  • Cerebellum
  • Brain stem
  • Occipital lobes
  • Inferior surface of temporal lobes
  • Diencephalons
  • Spinal cord
78
Q

What do the internal arteries supply blood to?

A
  • Majority of hemispheres (except occipital lobe)
  • Basal ganglia
  • Diencephalon
79
Q

Describe venous circulation

A
  • Vascular channels control cerebral venous drainage
  • These are created in 2 dural layers called sinuses
  • Extra cranial veins connect to the venous sinuses by emissary veins
  • The brain and dural sinuses are connected by bridging veins
  • The cerebral veins drain into the dural sinuses and then into the cranial veins
80
Q

What is the blood-brain barrier?

A
  • Provides protection by ensuring the NS is isolated from the rest of the body
  • Ensure environment is optimal for neuronal function
81
Q

Describe the movement of substances across the blood-brain barrier

A
  • Dependent on size and electrical charge
  • Controls movement of organic and inorganic ions
  • Prevent peripheral neurotransmitters, metabolic waste and K entering the CNS
82
Q

Describe the spinal cord

A
  • Lies in the central canal and is formed by the bodies and neural arches of the vertebrae
  • Consists of ganglia and nerve fibres
  • Extends downwards from the medulla oblongata to the upper regions of the 2nd lumbar vertebrae
83
Q

How many vertebrae are there in total?

A

33

84
Q

What are ganglia?

A

Groups of neuronal cell bodies

85
Q

What are the 2 main functions of the spinal cord?

A
  1. Links brain with nerves

2. Provides a centre for reflex action

86
Q

Describe the grey matter

A
  • Situated centrally in H shape, mainly on surface of brain
  • Composed of neuronal cell bodies and unmyelinated axons
  • Processes information in brain
  • Also contains glial cells and capillaries
87
Q

What are glial cells?

A

Transport nutrients and energy to the neurones and influence how well they function and communicate
(e.g. astroglia and oligodendrocytes)

88
Q

Describe the white matter

A
  • Situated in the inner layer of the cortex
  • Composed of myelinated axons and very few neuronal cell bodies
  • There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves
  • Each group of nerve fibres are grouped into bundles/tracts
89
Q

Name the 2 types of nerve tracts

A
  1. Lateralspinothalmic Tract - transmission of pain, temperature and touch from skin to thalamus
  2. Corticospinal Tract - fine motor control (face, mouth and hands)
90
Q

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

A

12

91
Q

What are the names of the 12 cranial nerves?

A 
CNI - Olfactory
CNII - Optic
CNIII -  Oculomotor
CNIV- Trochlear
CNV- Trigeminal
CNVI- Abducens
CNVII- Facial
CNVIII- Vestibulocochlear
CNIX- Glossopharyngeal
CNX- Vagus
CNXI- Spinal Accessory
CNXII- Hypoglossal
92
Q

What are the components needed for a reflex arc?

A
  1. Sensory neurones (sensory receptors to CNS)
  2. Relay/ Inter neurones (sensory neurones to motor neurones)
  3. Motor Neurones (CNS to muscle/gland)
93
Q

How can bacteria enter the body to cause infection of the NS?

A
  • Blood/bone
  • Head injury
  • Alimentary/ respiratory tract
  • Surgical procedure
94
Q

Give 5 examples of NS conditions

A
  1. Paraplegia
  2. Alzheimers
  3. Parkinsons
  4. Cerebral palsy
  5. Multiple sclerosis

Physical Health Sciences (15 decks)

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