Nervous System Flashcards
Roughly, how many neurons are there in an individuals body
100 billion
What nervous tissue:
- Receives information
- Communicates information
- Transmits information
- Dendrites
- Synapses
- Axons
What nerves enter into the spinal cord
Peripheral nerves
What is a nerve cell called
A ganglion
What nerves travel away (towards) the CNS
Efferent (afferent)
Where does information from the face travel directly to
The brain stem (not through the spinal cord)
How many pairs of cranial nerves exist and where do they input directly into
12 pairs; directly into the brain/brain stem
How many pairs of spinal nerves exist and where do they input directly into
31 pairs; directly into the spinal cord
What do the cranial and spinal nerves collectively make up
The peripheral nervous system
What are the 2 functional sections of the nervous system and are they voluntary/involuntary
- Somatic (information from the outside world); voluntary
2. Autonomic (information we don’t think about); involuntary
What are the lumps and bumps in the brain called
Gyrus/gyri
What are the indentations through the brain called
Sulcus/sulci
What is the most important function of the cerebellum (little brain)
Controls movement and balance
Name the 3 components that make up the brain stem (start with the most superior)
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla oblongata
What does the brain stem connect
Connects the spinal cord with the cerebral hemispheres
Name the 4 lobes of the brain
- Frontal
- Temporal
- Parietal
- Occipital
What does the longitudinal fissure separate
The left and right cerebral hemispheres
What 2 cranial nerves enter directly into the brain
1 & 2
What does grey matter contain
Neurons; nerve cells/bodies
What does white matter contain
Axons (communication cables) used to talk to separate nerves
What is the region called deep in the brain that contains grey matter
Internal capsule
Where is the grey matter located in the spinal cord
Contained within the centre of the spinal cord; white matter is on the outside
Name the 2 swollen regions of the spinal cord, and why do we need them
- Cervical enlargement
- Lumbar enlargement
Due to the presence of limbs; need lots of neurons to carry out the motor functions
What do the posterior and anterior roots of the spinal cord contain
Posterior = 100% sensory Anterior = 100% motor