Neuroanatomy Flashcards
What is the central nervous system (CNS) composed of? What does the CNS contain?
Brain, spinal cord
Motor, sensory and relay neurons
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) composed of? (What types?)
cranial nerves (12), spinal nerves, peripheral nerves Motor and sensory neurons
What is the autonomic nervous system?
Is present in both the CNS and PNS
Is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic
Innervates the viscera and smooth muscle
What 2 ways can the nervous system be classified to according to a) function b) location?
a) Somatic and autonomic N.S.
b) central and peripheral N.S. - CNS, PNS
What is somatic nervous system?
Is present in CNS and PNS
Is under our control to a degree
Innervates skeletal muscle
Detects changes in external environment and controls movement
Name 9 functions of the parasympathetic nerves in the autonomic N.S (ANS).
Constrict pupils Stimulates salvia Slows heartbeat Constricts airways Stimulates activity of stomach Inhibits release of glucose, stimulates gallbladder Stimulates activity of intestines Contracts bladder Promotes erection of genitals
Name 10 functions of the sympathetic nerves in the autonomic N.S (ANS).
Dilate pupils Inhibits salvia Increases heartbeat Relaxes airways Inhibits activity of stomach Stimulates release of glucose, inhibits gallbladder Inhibits activity of intestines Secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine Relaxes bladder Promotes ejaculation and vaginal contraction
What type of matter is on the superficial/outer layer of the brain?
Grey matter
What type of matter is more deep in the brain?
White matter
What is the internal capsule?
A longitudinal fissure that splits the brain in 2. There is one internal capsule in each hemisphere. It acts like a funnel.
What is the corona radiata?
Funnels neurons from the cortex
What is the corpus callosum?
Connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain via white matter (myelinated nerve fibres). This allows communication between the 2 hemispheres
What is the cerebrum?
The cerebrum is the higher brain centre. Its the largest part of the brain. Is made up of 2 hemispheres with 4 lobes in each Is contains the diencephalon and the basal ganglia
What is the brainstem?
Its responsible for vital functions (respiration, heart rate, sleep-wake cycles). It contains midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata
What are the main structures of the brain?
Name the 4 lobes of the cerebrum
Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Brainstem
Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital
What is the difference between sulci and gyri of the brain?
Sulci: the indentations between each gyri. (troughs) e.g. central sulcus
Gyri: are the elevated part of the brain - form the ridges (peaks)
What is the function of the frontal lobe?
Speech production, intelligence, emotion, personality, movement planning
What is the function of the parietal lobe?
Interpreting sensation -identifies the body region being stimulated (this is called spatial discrimation)
Contains the primary somatosensory cortex and the somatosensory association cortex
What is the function of the occipital lobe?
Vision
Contains the primary visual cortex and the visual association cortex
What is the function of the temporal lobe?
Hearing
Contains the primary auditory cortex
Contains Wernicke’s area which is responsible for understanding and remembering what is heard
What are fissures in the brain?
They are deeper sulcus and separate larger regions of the brain e.g. horizontal /transverse fissure, longitudinal fissure separates left and right sides of the brain
What is the function of the primary motor cortex?
Controls movement
Is responsible for precise/skilled voluntary skeletal muscle movement
What is the function of the pre-motor cortex?
Motor planning
What is the function of Broca’s area?
Involved in speech production
What is the difference between damage to Wernecke’s area and Broca’s area?
Broca’s area - they know what to say but they cannot say it. May have disorder syntax (speech), get stuck on a word
Wernecke’s area: the sentences do no make sense as the patient is oblivious to this
Where is the motor homunculus located?
Pre-central gyrus of the motor cortex
Where is the sensory homunculus located?
Post-central gyrus in the somatosensory cortex