Neuro Flashcards
what is a neuron
the basic functional unit of the brain
name the neurotransmitters (5)
- acetylcholine
- serotonin
- dopamine
- norepi
- endorphins
Acetylcholine:
neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system
Serotonin:
helps control mood and sleep, controls pain pathway
Dopamine:
affects behavior (emotions, attention); affects fine movement
Norepinephrine:
major transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system
Endorphins:
pleasurable sensation; inhibits pain transmission
what are the 4 lobes of the cerebrum
- frontal lobe
- parietal lobe
- temporal lobe
- occipital lobe
frontal lobe
necessary for concentration, abstract thoughts, memory, judgment, affect, inhibitions
• Broca’s area on the left frontal hemisphere, the speech center, different than singing
parietal lobe
sensory, important for left vs right orientation, size and shape discrimination
penis senses = parietal sensory
temporal lobe
auditory, plays a role in the memory of sound, understanding language and music
occipital lobe
visual interpretation and memory
what composes the brain stem and its functions
composed of midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
reflex center for resp, blood pressure, heart rate, coughing, swallowing (all PHYSIOLOGIC functioning)
what is cerebrospinal fluid, and where is it produced?
• This is a clear and colorless produced in the choroid plexus of the ventricles
cerebral circulation - how much comes from cardiac output?
• The brain receives about 15% of the cardiac output
cerebral circulation - how does the anterior brain get its blood supply?
• originates from the common carotid artery
the cerebellum
- provides smooth and coordinated movements
* controls fine movements, balance, position, and posture
name the parts of the brain
- cerebrum
- brain stem
- cerebellum
cerebral circulation - how does the posterior brain get its blood supply?
• by the vertebral arteries branch from subclavian arteries
what contains immune and metabolic functions in the brain?
in the CSF
what is the function of the blood brain barrier
• prevents many substances that circulate in the blood from reaching the CNS.
how can the blood brain barrier be altered? (3)
- trauma
- cerebral edema
- cerebral hypoxemia
what is the function of the spinal cord
serves as connection between the brain and the periphery
how is the spinal cord protected?
- by the vertebral column
* 7 cervical vertebrae; 12 thoracic vertebrae; 5 lumbar vertebrae; sacrum (a fused mass of 5 vertebrae)
what composes the peripheral nervous system? (3)
- cranial nerves
- spinal nerves
- autonomic nervous system
how many cranial nerves
12 nerves
- 3 are sensory
- 5 are motor
- 4 are mixed/both
peripheral nervous system: function of the ANS and its 2 divisions
regulates the activities of the internal organs
SNS vs PNS
sympathetic nervous system function
fight or flight response
- bronchioles dilate, heart’s contractions become stronger and faster; arteries of the heart and voluntary muscles dilate; peristalsis slow
parasympathetic nervous system function
dominant controller for most visceral functions
- impulses form parasympathetic fibers predominate during quiet, non-stressful conditions.
CN I
Olfactory- sense of smell
CN II
Optic- visual acuity
CN III
Oculomotor- muscle that moves the eye and lid, pupillary constriction
CN IV
Trochlear- muscle that moves the eye
CN V
Trigeminal- facial sensation; corneal reflex; mastication
CN VI
Abducens- muscle that moves the eye
CN VII
Facial- symmetry of facial expression; muscle movement of upper and lower face; salivation; taste; tearing; sensation in the ear
CN VIII
Acoustic/Vestibulocochlear- hearing and equilibrium
CN IX
Glossopharyngeal- taste, sensation in pharynx and tongue, pharyngeal muscles, swallowing
CN X
Vagus- muscles of the pharynx, larynx, soft palate; sensation of the external ear, pharynx, larynx, thoracic viscera
CN XI
(Spinal) Accessory- sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles
CN XII
Hypoglossal- movement of the tongue
