Neuro Practical 2.1.5

Question 1

Which functional type of neuron (e.g. using which specific neurotransmitter) makes up the parasympathetic contribution to the cranial nerves?

Answer 1

Cranial nerves contain axons of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons, which use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Hence, they are known as cholinergic neurons.

Question 2

where does the parasympathtic division of the nervous system arise from>

Answer 2

cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X

Question 3

where does the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system emerge from?

Answer 3

thoracic regions of the spinal cord

Question 4

Where are the thoracic splanchnic nerves passing to?

Answer 4

Greater splanchnic nerve goes to the coeliac ganglion
Lesser splanchnic nerve goes to the superior mesenteric ganglion
Least splanchnic nerve goes to the inferior mesenteric ganglion (or the renal ganglia/plexus, depending on which book you consult!)

Question 5

How many pairs of thoracic splanchnic nerves are there, and what are they called?

Answer 5

3 pairs (Greater, Lesser and Least nerve on each side of the body)

Question 6

what neurotransmitter do post-ganglionic neurones use?

Answer 6

noradrenaline

Question 7

what neurotransmittor do pre-ganglionic sympathetic neurones use>?

Answer 7

ach

Question 8

If this was the C5 (fifth cervical) vertebra, which spinal nerves would you be looking at?

Answer 8

The C5 pair of spinal nerves (note on the diagram above how the C5 nerve emerges above the corresponding vertebra; from T1 onwards, the spinal nerves emerge below their corresponding vertebra

Question 9

What are the normal contents of the lumbar cistern in a healthy, living individual

Answer 9

Cauda equina (dorsal and ventral spinal nerve roots), filum terminale and CSF – the lumbar cistern is the region you can safely sample CSF from using a lumbar puncture (a.k.a. spinal tap) procedure.

Question 10

How is the arrangement of the meninges around the spinal cord different to what you would expect to find for the meninges surrounding the brain?

Answer 10

There is an epidural / extradural space in the spinal cord (normally filled with epidural fat and small blood vessels) separating the dura from the vertebral column n contrast, the dura around the brain is firmly attached to the inner aspect of the skull vault (cranium)

Question 11

brachiocephalic trunk
lumbar (Sciatic,obturator,femoral)
vertebral body
sympathetic trunk