Nervous System Flashcards
What is anatomy?
the study of the part
What is physiology?
the study of how the parts function
What is the cell?
the basic unit of life
What is the structure of organic material from smallest to largest?
cell –> tissue –> organ –> organ system
What are cells controlled by?
innate, life force
What is the balance in a cell called?
homeostasis
What is a word association for homeostasis?
steady state
If a cell maintains homeostasis then it is…..
healthy
What is it called when a cell does not maintain homeostasis?
disease
What is a subluxation?
spinal dysfunction/misalignment plus nerve interference that prevents homeostasis
What are the components of the central nervous system?
brain and spinal cord
What are the components of the peripheral nervous system?
cranial + spinal nerves
What system is involuntary and what are the two parts of it?
autonomic nervous system (think AUTOnomic is AUTOmatic). Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
What system is voluntary?
somatic nervous system (think muscle contraction)
What is the basic cell of the nervous system?
neuron
What are the components of the brain?
lobes, grey matter, and meninges
What is the function of the cerebellum?
posture and balance
Where does the spinal cord end?
L2
What is the end of the spinal cord called?
cauda equina (means horse tail because the nerves look like this at this level)
What is the liquid that helps to lubricate the CNS?
cerebro-spinal fluid
How many cranial nerves are there?
12
What is the V cranial nerve?
trigeminal
What is the VII cranial nerve?
facial
What is the X cranial nerve?
vagus
What is the XI cranial nerve?
spinal accessory
What are spinal nerves responsible for?
dermatomes and reflexes
What is the purpose of dermatomes?
allows evaluation of specific sensory nerves
What are reflexes for?
Allows for evaluation of specific motor nerves at specific spinal cord levels
What are 4 common reflexes?
bicep, tricep, patellar, achilles
What is the purpose of the sympathetic nervous system?
fight or flight response (think adrenalin)
What is the purpose of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Rest and digest
What are the effects of the sympathetic nervous system?
- increased heart rate
- slows digestion
- raises blood pressure
- dilates pupils
- slows peristalsis (movement of food through the intestines)
Where are the sympathetic nerves located?
Primarily T1-T12
What are the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system?
- slows heart rate
- speeds digestion
- lowers blood pressure
- constricts pupils
- facilitates elimination
- contracts bladder
- ciliospinal reflex
What nerves are associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?
primarily cranial nerve X (vagus) and sacral nerves S2-S4
What is homeostasis of the nervous system?
balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
What do subluxations interfere with?
balance and function
Where is the ulnar nerve?
Pinky side, “funny bone” nerve
Where is the median nerve?
in the carpal tunnel, thumb side
What is the sciatic nerve?
longest nerve in the body, symptoms in the hip back of thigh and lower leg. Foot drop
What are pathologies of the nervous system?
meningitis, multiple sclerosis, disc herniation, disc degeneration, subluxation
